A/N: So sorry for the delay. Life has been super busy.
Chapter 38
"Mama" Peyton says walking into the room the Sawyer's will be staying in for the remainder of the holiday.
Anna turns around from the dresser and walks towards Peyton hugging her "Hi, baby girl" she says smiling as she pulls away from her "How are you?"
"Sick" Peyton says
"Having bad morning sickness?"
"Yes, I was never this sick with Avery"
"Well you're a little older now and have more stress in your life just might be harder on your body this time"
"I just hope it goes away"
"It will, sweetheart"
"I hope so, mama. Where's dad?" Peyton asks looking around
"Golfing"
"You just got here an hour ago"
"I know" Anna says "Lucas carried the bags upstairs. His mom and grandma were waiting in the living room with Avery to have some tea and Keith, Lucas and your dad went golfing. I just came up a few minutes ago"
"I'm so sorry I wasn't here when you got here. I had to run into town and meet with the caterer for tomorrow night. He couldn't come here and Karen and Gwen didn't want to go to town so Brooke and I did"
"No worries, honey" Anna says hugging her daughter again "I had a nice chat with Karen and Gwen then I brought Avery up and laid her down for a nap, now I'm in here unpacking"
"Well let me help you"
"Knock, knock" Brooke says opening the door and walking in "Mama Sawyer!" She says walking over and giving Anna a hug. Then she sits down on the bed in the room. Peyton walks over and sits next to her.
"How was your flight?" Peyton asks leaning back against the headboard
"It was nice" Anna said "You know I don't really enjoy flying"
Peyton sighs and nods "Yes, I know you don't. You guys could drive down. You like the drive"
"Yes, I guess we could. I've never thought about that"
"There you go" Peyton says
"So how are things here?" Anna says walking over and sitting on the bed with the girls
"Ok" Peyton says
"It sounds like you have a lot on your plate with this Polar Express Party"
"It's been going better since I've asked for help and since Brooke's been here"
"That's good" Anna says "You know you can always ask me for help too."
"I know, mama, but you were in New York so I didn't want to bother you"
"You're never a bother" Anna says "You look tired"
"I've just been busy and throwing up a lot" Peyton says
"Then you need to rest more" Anna sighs
"I know, I know" Peyton sighs
"Now that I'm here I can help you out more and you can rest more"
"Ok, mama" Peyton says with a smile
"So besides the party what else has gone on?"
"They want Avery to go to a baby ivy preschool"
"A what?" Brooke asks
"It's a prep preschool. It's a pathway to the ivy leagues when she's older"
Brooke looks at Peyton funny "Are you going to send her there? She's not even two yet. What's wrong with preschool like we did?"
Peyton shrugs "We said we'd meet with the director. Karen pulled some strings and got us a meeting so the least we can do it attend"
"Yes, you should" Anna says and Peyton and Brooke both look at her
"What?"
"I think you should look at your options. Since you had Avery you have said you want to give her the world. You worked hard to graduate college and now will start a hopefully successful company. These schools are top notice, Peyt. It would open a lot of doors for her"
Peyton looks at Anna "You really think I should send her there?"
"I don't know" Anna says "I've never been inside one. I just know a lot of kids that go there end up in the ivy leagues and that there are really long waiting lists to get in. I think you should just keep an open mind and make your own decision about the school"
Peyton is a little taken back "Um, ok, mama" she says smiling at her "I will keep an open mind."
"That's all I'm asking"
"So why aren't you for it, Brooke?" Peyton asks
Brooke sighs "I was just taken back when you first said it. You've never talked about sending Avery to a preparatory preschool before"
"I could never send her to one before"
"That's true" Brooke says "I'm going to do as your mom asks and keep an open mind."
Anna smiles "That's all I've ever asked of my girls." She says smiling. "So what needs to be done for the party tomorrow?" she asks
"We need to go check on the ballroom. Nothing can be out of place"
"Then we better go check it out" Brooke says
The three women get off the bed and walk towards the door. Peyton opens it and they walk down the stairs into the living room.
"How did it go with the caterers?" Gwen asks as they walk in to sit down
"Great" Brooke says "We sampled a few things. They were great and everything was on schedule for tomorrow. They were doing desserts when we left"
Gwen looks at Brooke "Did you check it on the master list?"
"I did when Peyton ran up to say hi to her mom"
"Ok then" Gwen says "We need to go see the set up of the ballroom"
"That's why we came down" Peyton says smiling "I know there is still a lot to do"
"Yes" Karen says standing up "Shall we go check now?"
"Yes" Peyton says standing up and everyone else in the room stands as well "Let's go"
They go out the doors of the living room and down the hallway pass Keith's office. They turn left down another hallway and straight down to a huge room. The room was as long and wide as the whole house. Half of the room was set up with tables and chairs all covered and decorated for dinner tomorrow. The other half was set up for dancing and decorated for Christmas.
"Wow" Anna says "It's beautiful"
"The peppermint theme was Peyton's idea" Karen says
"It looks beautiful" Anna says
"Sure does" Brooke agrees
"It does look nice" Karen says smiling "Everyone should have so much fun tomorrow"
"I can't wait" Gwen says "It's one of my favorite parties"
"It is a lot of fun" Peyton says smiling "We better get started on the table settings"
"Oh, yes" Gwen says "How about you two girls do it while the three of us go check on the bar"
Peyton looks at Gwen "Are you serious?'
"Yes" Gwen says "The servers are setting everything up right now They might like to practice their skills before the party"
Anna laughs "I would love a cup of coffee"
"With some Bailey's Irish Cream in it" Gwen says
"Oh" Anna smiles like a kid "That would be nice"
"Let's go then" Gwen says "When you two are done you can have a drink. Hot cocoa for you, Peyton"
"We shouldn't be long" Peyton says "And then we'll join you"
"Great" Gwen says as she, Anna and Karen head over to the bar
Peyton and Brooke head to the dining area to check the table settings
"When did we become the party planner and they become the ones having fun?" Brooke asks stopping at the first table
"I don't know" Peyton says "I can't believe that Gwen and Karen are just turning all this responsibility over to us"
Brooke smiles "It's because they've been waiting for years for you to come along and take over their family traditions. They probably lost hope after seeing the kind of women Lucas used to date. Then he brought you home and they were giddy with excitement"
Peyton smiles "I doubt that"
"I don't" Brooke says "They couldn't have picked a better wife themselves for Lucas."
Peyton laughs
"Peyton, look at all you've done just in this visit" Brooke says smiling at her "You're a Rockstar!"
Peyton laughs again "Thanks, Brooke" she says hugging her best friend "Now, we better make sure everything is in the right spot and pointing in the right direction"
"Are we seriously going to check every single spot"
"Yes" Peyton says "Because that's what rockstars do!"
Brooke laughs and nods "Ok, then. Let's get started"
There are twenty rounds tables that need to be checked. Brooke walks over to one edge of the room and Peyton to the other. They walk around every table making sure everything is in the right spot pointing in the right direction. The get to the last two tables and everything was perfect.
Brooke looks at Peyton "Wow, everything was perfect"
"It always is but we always check"
Brooke smiles "Let's go have a drink"
"Sounds good" Peyton says following Brooke out of the ballroom and into the bar area.
Karen, Gwen and Anna are sitting at the bar laughing. Brooke and Peyton walk over to them.
"How did everything look?" Gwen asks
"Perfect" Brooke says as the bartender handed her a chocolate hot buttered rum
"It always does" Gwen say smiling "But we always check"
Brooke looked at Peyton
"What?" Gwen says
"Peyton said the same thing when we were done checking"
Karen started laughing "You two are so alike"
"We are not" Peyton and Gwen say at the same time
Everyone starts laughing
"Well the ballroom is all set and the menu is all set" Peyton says
"Liquor is all set" Gwen says laughing
"Actually, everything is checked off the list" Peyton says taking a drink of her hot chocolate
"Fabulous" Karen says
Brooke and Peyton look at each other. The older women in the room seemed a little tipsy.
"Let's go to town then" Gwen says "I'd love a manicure and pedicure"
"Oh me too" Brooke says "I haven't been to the spa in a long time"
"Then let's go" Gwen says getting up
Karen and Anna get up too
"We still have things to do" Peyton says
"You said everything was checked off on the list"
"It is" Peyton says "But we still have to double check"
"Nah" Gwen says "I'm sure you and Brooke did a great job. This is the only chance you're going to have to relax before you have to hit the ground running for the next big event"
"You're right" Peyton says "Let's go"
The women walk out of the ballroom and back into the house. Elizabeth is dusting.
"Is Avery still napping?" Peyton asks
"Yes, she is" Elizabeth answers "She's been extremely tired lately"
"She's just out of her routine and she's been staying up later. She's ok" Peyton says
"I'll just keep a close eye on her" Elizabeth says
Peyton smiles "Thanks, Elizabeth."
"We're going to go to the spa" Gwen says "Will you please take care of Avery when she gets up?"
"Of course" Elizabeth says smiling "She loves hanging out in the kitchen while I make dinner"
Peyton smiles "Yes, she does. Probably because you give her treats"
Elizabeth just smiles. "Have a nice time in town"
"Thank you" The women say as they head for the door and out of the house. Peyton walks to the garage and gets one of the cars. She pulls up in front of the house and everyone gets in.
"Head to Serendipity" Gwen says "They'll be able to help us"
"Will do" Peyton says as they pull out of the driveway
"So Anna" Karen says "Another little bundle of joy coming our way"
"Yes" Anna says "I'm not sure Peyton is thinking clearly about all her fast pace decisions these days"
"Oh" Karen says her face dropping a little "You're not excited about another grandchild?"
"I'm thrilled." Anna says with a smile "I know how much Lucas and Peyton want to have a baby. I'm just not sure they have thought everything out"
"What do you mean?" Peyton says with a hurt look on her face
"Well" Anna says sighing "You two live in an apartment on the upper east side of Manhattan that is posh and lovely but it's not the best place to raise children."
"I've raised Avery there and you never said a word"
"Avery is one child and look how much space she takes up. Two children double the space and the apartment doesn't have that"
"It's pretty big, mom" Peyton says
"There's no yard, there's no place for the kids to play. It's an apartment on the upper east side"
"I agree with Anna" Gwen says "It's a small space for a budding family"
Peyton just sighs "Well that's our home and we love it"
"That's too baby" Anna says "There a lot of adorable houses with yards in the suburbs of Manhattan"
"It would double the time for Lucas' to get work"
"So, he's the boss" Gwen says
Peyton rolls her eyes "What else is on your mind, mother?"
"Well how about the fact that you're going to have a barely 2 year old and a brand new baby and you're going to try to open your record label"
"Mother!" Peyton says
"Peyton, I just don't think you understand how adding another child to the mix will change everything and you already look exhausted "
"Well we could have talked about this in private"
"Yes, I guess we could have but the conversation just came up"
"Mhm" Peyton says
"Well I've seen Peyton do amazing things in a stressful situation and I think she's be just fine" Brooke says
"I'm not worried about her being fine" Anna says "I'm worried about at what cost starting her own business will come with"
"Lucas will front her the money" Gwen says "She doesn't have to worry about that"
"I'm sitting right here" Peyton says "Stop talking about me like I'm not"
"You just can't keep burning the candle at both ends" Anna says "You and Lucas live a very fast pace life and I'm just concerned now that you're pregnant"
Karen and Gwen look at Anna. She sighs "Peyton spends a lot of time helping Lucas at the office, now she's going to try to open her own company and have a baby"
"You don't approve of her helping Lucas?" Gwen says a little coldly
"Oh, I have no problem with her doing that. They are so cute together and they work well together. What I'm concerned about is that Avery already spends a lot of time in the company daycare and late nights in Lucas' office. What's going to happen when Peyton is helping Lucas, opening a company and has a newborn"
"Mother!" Peyton says "Enough. I know what I'm doing and I'm fine. Avery doesn't spend that much time in Lucas' office at night. We go home and have dinner all the time together. I only help Lucas out when he needs technical support."
"That's every day"
"We've had a lot of turnover this year and doubled our profit. It was a busy year" Peyton sighs
"You've doubled the profit?" Gwen asks surprised
"Yes" Peyton sighs "Don't you get a spreadsheet on that or something?"
"Year's end" Gwen says "We haven't gotten it yet."
"Oh" Peyton says "Well Lucas and I have taken some risks this year that's really paid off for the company"
"He hasn't mentioned that to us"
"He wouldn't" Peyton says "He just wants to make sure the business continues to make money and can support his family"
"You only mentioned helping him on a few little things" Karen says
Anna laughs "A few little things? When was the last time you were in New York at the company?"
"We haven't been there all year" Gwen says honestly "Lucas hasn't had the problems he had when he first took it over so we've given him more freedom"
"Well, with the help of my daughter, they've restructured the whole thing. They made the business more effective and it's making more money"
"How do you know all of this?" Gwen asks
"Because she harasses me all the time so I tell her what we're doing so she leaves me alone"
"Peyton" Anna says
"Can we please change the subject?" Peyton asks
"I just think you have to really make some choices about what you want in life. I know you want it all but sometimes situations arise and our dreams change. I just want you to make sure you're looking at things clearly. When you decided you wanted to open a company you were a single mother who needed to provide for her family. Now you're part of a family and having another baby. Situations changes. Life happens."
Peyton pulls into the spa. She doesn't say anything else to her mother. She can't believe her mom ambushed her like that in front of everyone. She parks the car and everyone gets out. They start walking towards the building and Brooke grabs Peyton's arm.
"What was that about?"
"I have no idea" Peyton says
"Your mom has always been supportive of your dreams"
"I know" Peyton sighs sadly
"Maybe you should talk to her"
"I don't understand why she would come down here a say that to me. She's never said anything to me at home"
"Well Karen did ask her about the baby and that kind of opened the door"
Gwen turns to look at the girls "Come on they can get us in." She says from the reception desk
Peyton and Brooke walk over to the other woman. Anna looks at Peyton and she adverts her eyes. They follow the reception to the changing room. All the women put their clothes on a hanger and hang them up. They then put robes on.
"I don't think I should have a massage" Peyton says "I'm pregnant"
"Oh we have a massage for pregnant women or you could have a facial instead"
"I just want to be safe" Peyton says "So I think I'll do the facial instead"
"No problem, Mrs. Scott" the receptionist says "I'll tell Janet and she'll set it up for you"
'Thanks" She says smiling
The receptionist walks out and some other young women walk in.
"What a nice surprise" one woman says walking over to Gwen "I haven't seen you in a while Mrs. Gwen"
"Busy time of year" Gwen says "How are you doing Sarah?"
"Great. Are you ready for your massage?"
"Yes" Gwen says smiling
"Follow me then"
Gwen follows Sarah out of the changing room.
"I'm looking for Mrs. Sawyer?" another young lady says smiling
"That's me" Anna says walking towards the young woman
"I'm Rachel. I'll be taking care of you today"
"Nice to meet you" Anna says
"Please follow me"
Anna and Rachel walk out.
"Miss Davis?" a blonde haired girl says
"That's me" Brooke says and they walk out of the room
Karen and Peyton are standing there and Karen looks at Peyton.
"Come sit with me for a minute" Karen says
Peyton follows Karen and they sit down on the couch in the room.
"Are you ok?" Karen says softly
"Yes, I'm fine"
"Are you sure?" Karen sighs "the conversation in the car was pretty heated"
"Yeah" Peyton says softly
"Your mom was pretty honest"
"Yes, more so than she probably needed to be"
"You looked a little blindsided"
Peyton sighs "I was"
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really" Peyton says
"Ok" Karen says leaning over and hugging Peyton "I think she's just worried about you. You do look a little tired sweetie"
Peyton just smiles softly at her. The door opens and two more young women walk in. One takes Karen the other takes Peyton. They women spend the rest of the day being pampered at the spa. They head back to the house for dinner. The ride home is very quiet. Peyton pulls into the driveway and drops everyone off at the front door. She then parks the car back in the garages and heads inside. Her mom is sitting in a chair waiting for her.
"Can we talk?"
"No"
"Peyton" Anna says "I'm your mother"
"So"
"So that means you have to listen to me"
"Fine" Peyton says sighing "Let's go into the sitting room"
Anna gets up and they walk down the hallway into a small living room area. Peyton sits down in a chair next to a table. Anna sits in the other one.
"Peyton"
"Mama, how could you do that to me?" She says louder than she meant to "You haven't said one word to me about any of this and then you come down here and air it out in front of Lucas' family?"
"That's not what I was doing" Anna says "We haven't had a chance to talk really and you weren't pregnant at home"
"I know but Mama"
"Peyton" She sighs "Will you please just listen to me?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"Yes" Anna says "You're an adult. You can get up and leave"
Peyton just crosses her arms
"Peyt" Anna says "You're not looking at life clearly"
"What are you talking about?" Peyton says
"Look around you, Peyton"
"What?" She says
"Your life has changed" Anna says "You're not a single mom with something to prove anymore."
"Mama!" Peyton says
"Peyton" Anna sighs softly "Do you understand what being married to Lucas means?"
"Yes"
Anna sighs "No, Peyton. Do you really understand?"
"What do you mean, mama?" Peyton says "Marriage is marriage"
"No, it's not, Peyton" Anna sighs "You have married into a very high fluent family. Look at the women in this family, Peyton"
"What about them?"
"Tell me what Karen and Gwen do?"
"Mange the house and social events"
"Do they handle business?"
"No, not now. Gwen had to for a while but like she said they didn't even know that the company had doubled its revenue"
"Exactly, Peyton"
"You know more about the Scott company than any other female member of this family."
"That's true" Peyton says
"And they love that you are willing to be a part of the family company. It's different times now and your skills are an asset to their son. You're the perfect wife, Peyton." Anna pauses for a moment "Do you understand what that means?"
"Mom, what are you trying to say to me?"
"Peyton, you've had a year to figure this out and you're not doing a very good job at it. You are a Scott now. Your job is to stand by Lucas, have his children and plan the parties. I just don't think you understand that"
"What do you think I'm doing down here" Peyton says
"So next Christmas you're going to have another baby, two huge parties to plan, an almost three year old, work with your husband's company and your own company. Does that sound reasonable to you?"
"I just think you should slow down a little, sweetheart"
"And do what be a house wife?"
"No, be Lucas Scott's wife and that means giving up some of your dreams for him"
"I understand that, mama"
"I hope you do, Peyton"
"Here you two are" Brooke says walking in "Everyone's looking for you"
"Oh we were just talking" Anna says
"Dinner is almost ready"
"We better go change then" Peyton says
"Ok" Anna says
All three women walk out of the room and upstairs to change. Peyton walks into her and Lucas' room and he's laying on the bed.
"Hey beautiful"
"Hey" Peyton says
"What's wrong?" He says looking at her
"Why do you think something's wrong?"
"You look upset. Didn't you have fun today?"
"Not really"
"What did my Grandmother do today?"
"Nothing" Peyton sighs "It was my mother"
"Your mother?"
"It's fine" Peyton sighs "I don't really want to talk about it right now. I need to get ready for dinner"
"it's dinner time already?"
Peyton laughs "Yes, it is"
"I better get dressed then too"
"Yes, you better"
Lucas gets up off the bed and walks into the closet. He returns wearing a dark blue suit with a white shirt and a red and dark blue stripped tie. Peyton appears in a red romper that made her legs look extremely long. Her hair is pulled half up. She's wearing a white cardigan, diamond earrings and necklace. She looks gorgeous.
"How do you always know what to wear?"
Peyton gets a big smile and her face and walks over to straighten his tie. "Because I'm your wife"
"So" Lucas says
"I just know what you're going to wear and how to match you"
"I love that about you"
"It's my responsibility as your wife to always make sure you look good and part of making you look good is always looking good myself"
Lucas leans down and kisses her "And that you always do"
"Thanks, baby"
Lucas kisses her again and then walks her over to the couch in the room. He sits down and she does the same.
"We need to talk before we go to dinner"
"Um, ok" Peyton says looking a little concerned "What's the matter?"
"What happened today?"
"My mom" Peyton says rolling her eyes
"What about your mom?"
"She just said some things in front of your mother and grandmother that she shouldn't have. I'm just upset about it"
"What did she say?"
"Your mom asked her if she was excited about the baby and she was weird about it and then started talking about how sometimes dreams change and you have to change your plans and life happens. Then she told me that I'm your wife and I have to take the responsibility of being your wife. She told your mother and grandmother she thinks our apartment is too small and we should get a house in the suburbs in Manhattan. I'm not sure where this was all coming from. She said she hoped I would figure it out but I haven't and I need to think about what it means to be your wife"
Lucas looks at her confused "You're a great wife and we're fine. Why would she say that?"
"I don't know and why would she say anything in front of your mom and grandma?"
"Maybe they were talking about it"
"I don't know. They were a little tipsy because they had drank all morning. It just upset me."
"I'm sorry honey" Lucas says hugging her "You're great, sweetie so don't let anything they say get to you"
"I'm trying not to"
"Ok, let's go to dinner before we get in trouble"
"Ok" Peyton says kissing him again
They get up and walk to the door. Lucas opens it for Peyton and she walks out. He follows her and shuts the door. They walk to the stairs and then go down them. They walk into the dining room everyone is standing there waiting for them.
"Oh sorry" Peyton says "It took me a few extra minutes to get ready"
"No problem" Gwen says nodding for everyone to sit down. She rings the bell and Elizabeth and the kitchen staff serve dinner.
They are having lasagna tonight. First course was a beautiful salad. Everyone starts on their salads.
"The ballroom looks amazing" Lucas says smiling at the women at the table
"That was all your wife" Gwen says "She came up with the theme, the decorations, she's very good at it"
"So you have my poor pregnant wife running around her pulling off your annual Christmas Party and starting her own annual Christmas Party?"
Gwen looks at him "Yes, I guess we do"
"Oh stop" Peyton says "Brooke and I just took care of the last checks for the party tomorrow. I gave the theme suggestion and we all went shopping together to get the stuff. After that the staff put it together."
"And Peyton and I checked every place setting on 20 round tables this afternoon" Brooke smiles
"Yes, because even thought its always perfect we always check" Peyton and Gwen said at the same time
Everyone looks at them and starts laughing.
Anna was surprised and looked at her daughter. For the first time she noticed how she looked. She looked so elegant and complimented Lucas so well. Maybe her daughter did understand what it meant to be Lucas Scott's wife. She sighs and takes a bite of her salad.
"Well it looks really nice" Lucas says "How's the Polar Express Party coming?"
"It was going well" Peyton sighs
"What's the matter, sweetheart?"
"Just haven't spoken with Kate so I'm a little nervous but she'll be here Sunday so we can get back to work"
"And when is the Polar Express Party again?" Anna asks
"December 23rd" Peyton says
"So we have two weeks for Sunday then?" Anna says "Do you have a list so we can help you get everything done?"
"We can talk about it Sunday" Peyton says "I promised to put it on hold until after tomorrow." She finishes with a smile
"I'm looking forward to the party tomorrow" Peyton says "I had such a good time last year."
"It's a great party" Gwen says smiling
Everyone finishes their salads and the staff removes the plates and serves the lasagna. They bring baskets of breadsticks out to place on the table. They refill drinks and disappear again into the kitchen. Everyone starts eating again.
"How have you been feeling, Peyton?" Keith asks with a smile "You've been so busy I haven't really talked to you lately"
"I'm doing ok" Peyton says "December 26th I'm going to spend the entire day in bed resting"
"You'll have earned it" Keith says smiling "I know you promised not to talk about it but I didn't. I saw Kate today out in the barn so I went out to say hi"
"Oh no!" Peyton says "I have a surprised out there"
"Oh I know! Kate wouldn't let me in"
Peyton sighed with relief "Good"
"Anyway she told me to tell you everything is on schedule and no worries"
Peyton smiles really big "Oh I'm so glad"
"Who's up for a game of cards after dinner?" Karen says "It's so nice when the house is full"
"I'd love to play cards" Anna says
"Me too" Keith says "Larry?"
"Sure"
"How about the four of us play Euchre after dinner. We've spent enough time with these young people."
"Good because I'm tired and would like to go to bed" Peyton says laughing
"We could watch a movie" Lucas says
"Honestly, I'd love a hot bath and to spend the night cuddled up in my bed" Brooke says
"Me too" Peyton says "Lucas, maybe we can watch a movie in our room tonight"
"Whatever you kids want to do. You've been working hard and deserve a nice relaxing evening" Karen says with a smile
"Then I guess I get to put Avery to bed" Gwen says smiling
Peyton smiles at her "Sure you can" she says winking at the elderly lady
Everyone finishes their dinner looking forward to a night on their own. They had been spending a lot of time together so a little relaxation will be nice. They have the first big party tomorrow which everyone is looking forward too.