Chapter 48
Peyton is soaking in the bathtub, listening to music. She was thinking about all the craziness of the last twenty-four hours and how she had twenty-four hours more to go before she could relax. There is a soft knock on the door.
"Peyt" A voice says from outside
Peyton smiles "Come in" she says
The door opens and Lucas walks in. "If this isn't déjà vu" He says leaning over the tub and kissing her "If I recall I found you last year in the bath relaxing before our wedding"
"Our fake wedding"
"Until I came in and found you and told you I was in love with you" Lucas says
"That was the greatest moment of my life" Peyton says
Lucas leans over and kisses her again "The only bad thing is that our anniversary is always going to be Christmas Eve and for the next eighteen years we'll never be able go away on our anniversary"
"That's ok" Peyton says "We can go away whenever we want. I wouldn't miss Christmas in North Carolina for anything"
Lucas smiles at her "Really?"
"Really" Peyton says "I love it here."
"I really enjoy the time we spend here, too" Lucas says
Peyton smiles at him "When we get back from moving Brooke to New York, in with Julian"
"Wait, what?" Lucas says
"She told me at the party that he asked her to move in with him and he told her he's falling in love with her"
"Yes, he's very smitten with her" Lucas says grinning
"What?" Peyton says "What do you know?"
"Nothing" Lucas says
"Lucas, if you know something that you think I should know you should probably tell me right now"
"Peyton, there's nothing to tell" Lucas says "He just talks about her all the time and he follows her around like a puppy dog and he told Jack and I that he's head over heels in love with her. He was the minute he met her. He just knew. Like I knew and Jack knew. He said he doesn't need time"
"Is he going to ask her to marry him?" Peyton says her eyes getting really big
"No" Lucas says "He wants to help her get her business going. You watch though. They will be engaged before next Christmas and he will be coming down here and everyone will accept that he will spend the holiday here. They might even be married by then"
"I believe it" Peyton says "Look at us and they've almost spent as much time together as we did when we were madly in love"
Lucas smiles at her "And we fall in love more and more every day"
"Yes, we do" She says going to get up out of the tub. "I'll get out so you can shower"
"No rush, babe"
"I'm going to go put your sweatpants on and that old sweatshirt of yours and lay in bed for a little while. My feet are a little sore and swollen"
"I'll go down and check on Avery. Then I'll shower"
"Thanks" Peyton says kissing him as he wraps her in her robe.
Lucas notices she looks really tired. She had already had a full day and she still had a lot more to do. She smiles at him and he kisses her. She then walks out of the bathroom and into their bedroom. He follows her.
"I'll be back shortly" He says kissing her and walking out of the room.
She walks into his closet and grabs his sweatpants and his sweatshirt. She puts it on and then puts on a pair of her slipper socks. She walks out and gets into bed. She turns the tv on and pulls out her phone. She opens a new message and adds a few names to it. She starts typing.
Lucas is checking on Avery then he's going to take a shower. I'm going to sleep for a little while. If any of you need me come get me.
She looks at her phone for a second and then hits send. She turns it off and snuggles down under the covers. She didn't feel great and was really tired. Her back was also bothering her today. She tries a couple of different positions but she just couldn't get comfortable. She sighs and sits up again. Lucas had been gone longer than she thought he would be and she hoped everything was ok with Avery.
"Ugh" She says to herself throwing the covers off and getting out of bed. She walks into the bathroom and uses it. She washes her hands and walks back into the bedroom. She smiles when she sees Lucas standing there. "Hey babe" She says
"You ok?"
"Yes" Peyton says "My back is just bothering me and I had to use the bathroom"
"I brought you some hot cocoa and cookies" He says proud of himself "And Avery is sound to sleep"
Peyton walks over and kisses him "Thank you" she says taking the plate and mug from him. She walks over and puts the mug and plate on the table. She crawls back into bed and Lucas look at her.
"Honey, you don't look like you feel very well"
"I'm just tired and can't get comfortable."
Lucas walks over and gets on the bed "Roll onto your side, babe"
Peyton does what he says and he starts rubbing her back.
"Tell me where it hurts"
"My lower back all over"
Lucas starts rubbing Peyton's back. "You need to slow down"
Peyton laughs "Just because I'm having a baby doesn't mean life stops, babe"
"I know but you've been going, going, going"
"And we still have to go" Peyton says laughing "I promise I'm fine." She adds rolling over and looking at him. She smiles at him and leans up to kiss him. "I love you"
"I love you too" Lucas says kissing her again. "Get some rest. I'm going to go shower"
Peyton kisses him again and he gets up. He goes into the bathroom and Peyton lays in bed. She dozes off and sleeps for a little while. She wakes up to see Lucas reading in the chair in the corner.
"Hey" She says smiling at him
"Hey, babe" He says "I wanted some alone time so I stayed in here and read. I wasn't tired and I didn't want to wake you by laying on the bed"
"You could have" Peyton says getting up and walking quickly into the bathroom. She returns after a minute and walks over and kisses Lucas. "We need to get ready and go get dinner ready." She says walking into the bathroom.
"Yes, ma'am" Lucas says and she walks out of the bathroom
"What?"
"Nothing, dear" he says laughing at her
She smiles at him "I prefer yes, dear" she says winking at him and walking back into the bathroom. She pulls her hair up in a puffy ponytail and then curls it. She puts makeup on and then walks out. Lucas is having a drink. She smiles at him and walks into the closet. She puts on a black vintage sleeveless ruffle high waist wide leg romper with a bow belt. She slips on her heels. She puts on her diamond choker and earrings that matched. She walks out of the closet and Lucas smiles at her.
"You look beautiful" He says "And sexy as hell"
"This barely fits, Luke" She sighs "I'm going to have to get some new clothes"
"I know" He says walking over to her and kisses her belly softly "You're growing my baby and it's sexy as hell"
Peyton smiles at him "I'm going to go wake Avery up and get her ready. Did you text Brooke?"
"Yes" He says walking over to finish his drink
"Great. Pick her up then Avery and I"
"Sounds great" Lucas says "I'm really surprised that Julian didn't come back. His mom isn't as big on tradition as my parents and grandmother. I thought for sure he'd come for dinner."
"It's ok, Luke, but don't say anything to Brooke about it. I don't want her upset or think something's funny about it"
"I, wont' babe" He says.
She walks over and kisses him before walking out the door. She walks down the hallway and into Avery's room. She smiles when she sees her dad sitting there playing with Avery.
"Hey daddy" She says "What are you doing here?"
"Your mom said you're not feeling well so we took turns playing with Avery so you could sleep as long as you could"
"Thanks, daddy"
"You're welcome, sweetheart"
"I can't believe how your life had changed"
"I know" Peyton says "I never knew life could be this wonderful and that I could love someone this much"
Larry smiles "You two complement each other beautifully"
"Thanks, daddy"
"I've never seen you this happy"
"I've never been this happy"
Larry smiles "Well I should go get dressed for dinner. I'm not going to lie I've loved being here but that's the one thing I hate. Dressing for dinner"
Peyton laughs "Me too, daddy"
"You always look fancy now" Larry says "And beautiful."
"Thanks, daddy" Peyton says hugging her dad before he walks out of the room.
She bends down and to Avery "Hey, baby girl" She says "It's time to get dressed" she adds as she picks her up. She takes her to the changing table. She puts her tights on her and then her Christmas dress that Gwen and Karen bought her. She puts her shiny black shoes on her and a bow in her hair. Just as she finishes the door opens.
"Ready?" Lucas says
"Daddy" Avery yells.
Lucas walks in "Hi, baby girl" He says picking her up "She looks so cute"
"Yes, she does" Peyton says "We should head down." She adds walking to the door. She looks at Brooke
"You look beautiful"
"Thanks" Brooke says "It's an original" She adds looking down at her red cold shoulder jumpsuit.
"Love it"
"thanks"
"We should get going" Peyton says
The three walk out of the room and downstairs to the family room.
"Good evening" Keith says
Peyton's face drops when she sees Julian standing there. "Merry Christmas Eve, Julian" she says smiling "I'm glad you could join us"
He walks over and gives Peyton a hug and then he walks over and wraps his arms around Brooke hugging her and kissing her passionately. "I was getting ready for dinner and all I could think about was you. I told my mom I wanted to have dinner with here. I hope that's ok?"
"Of course" Brooke says looking at Peyton to make sure it was
"I'm glad you decided to join us" Peyton says "If you'll excuse me I need to go get dinner on the table"
"Me too" Brooke says kissing Julian one more time and then following Peyton out of the family room "I can't believe he's here" she says catching up to Peyton
"He really likes you"
"I really like him"
"I know" Peyton says "I've never seen you so smitten before"
"He's not like any other guy I've dated before"
"I know that, too" Peyton says as they walk into the kitchen.
"Peyt" Brooke says as she walks over to the pantry and to get the serving plates out.
"What's on your mind, Brooke?" Peyton asks taking the potatoes out of the roaster to mash them
"I'm in love with him" Brooke says "I've never felt like this before"
"Brooke" Peyton says walking over to her and hugging her "That's great"
"What if he doesn't feel the same?"
"He does" Peyton says "He asked you to move in with him"
"What if he changes his mind?"
"He's not going to. Lucas thinks you're going to be married by this time next year"
"What?" Brooke says "Married? Seriously?"
"You wouldn't marry him if he asked you?"
"Yes, I would" Brooke says "I'm madly in love with him I just don't think it's that serious"
"Brooke, he just crashed Christmas Eve dinner because all he could think about was you. I think that's pretty serious"
Brooke smiles "Yea, I guess, you're right"
"I know I'm right" Peyton says laughing "I have a favor to ask you"
"Ok" Brooke says "What's up?"
"When we get back from LA will you watch Avery for us?"
"Sure, why, what's up?"
"I thought Lucas and I could go into Charlotte for a day and night to have a little anniversary getaway"
"That's a great idea" Brooke says putting the rolls in the oven. Then she walks over to Peyton and looks at her.
Peyton looks at her "What's going on, honey?" she says because she can tell something is on her mind.
"Do you think it's too soon to be in love with Julian?"
"No" Peyton says "It's like Bachelor in Paradise. You've spent almost every waking moment with each other and that's a lot of time to get to know each other. What do you talk about?"
"Everything" Brooke says "He even talks about how much he loves kids now"
Peyton smiles "That's awesome" she says looking at Brooke "Do you want kids?"
"Of course" Brooke says "I just have so much going on right now. Moving, starting a business, a new relationship"
Peyton was about to say something when the kitchen door swings open. Lucas and Julian walk into the kitchen.
"How's it going?" Lucas says as he walks over and kisses Peyton
"Good" She says "Are you lost?"
"No" He says "I just missed you and wanted to come hang out with you"
Peyton gives him a funny look "We haven't been gone that long" She says
Julian walks over to Brooke and kisses her "We thought we'd help out too"
Brooke smiles at him "That's sweet of you" she says kissing him
"I need to set the table" Peyton says
"I'll help you" Julian says and Lucas looks at him but he just gives him a look back because he wanted to talk to Peyton.
"Great. Thanks" Peyton says walking into the dining room and to the cabinet where the Christmas china is. She starts setting the table and Julian follows her lead.
"I want to talk to you" He says
"I assumed that's why you offered to help me set the table" Peyton says smiling at him as she puts the chargers down and he puts a plate on top of it.
"I did something" Julian says hesitantly
Peyton looks at him a little concerned "What did you do?"
He reaches into his pocket and pulls a box out "I went to Jack's" he says handing it to Peyton
Peyton takes it and opens it. In the box was a ring. The ring is a vintage emerald-cut diamond set in a finely millegrained platinum ring embellished throughout by forty-six full-cut diamonds. "Julian" She says looking at him "Lucas said you weren't going to ask her"
"He doesn't know" Julian says "Jack and I went to his shop after the party before I went home to get ready"
"Julian" Peyton says still in shocked "When are you going ask her?"
"I don't know" He says "I wanted to talk to you about it first and I just knew I didn't want to go back to New York without a ring for her. Honestly, after spending the last two days with her with the kids and the family and how well she just fits perfectly into my life but how I also fit perfectly into her made me realize I didn't want to go another minute without a ring for her"
Peyton walks over and hugs him "Julian, I'm so happy for you. I never thought you'd find the one"
"I didn't either and then to find her in the one place I haven't gone to in years is ironic"
"Well, I'm married to the man who I couldn't stand all because he made me a deal to come down and fool his dying grandmother"
Julian laughs "That is still the wildest thing I've ever heard. When he told me I thought he was joking."
"I know" Peyton says "It was the best thing that I ever did"
"Him too" Julian says. Then he sighs
"What's wrong?"
"I'm not a spontaneous person, Peyton" He sighs "No, I don't waste time and I get what I want but this is different. Love isn't something I ever saw myself having so I don't want to be a foolish man" he says matter of fact like
Peyton looks him in the eye and smiles "You're not a foolish man and matters of the heart are different than matters of the head. Spontaneous is usually exact what you want"
"I could do it anytime" He says "Like I almost did it today but I didn't have a ring and I wasn't going to propose to the love of my love, the future mother of my children without a ring. Could you imagine the two of you telling your stories and my mother rolling her eyes sighing saying 'And can you believe he proposed without a ring?'"
Peyton laughs
"It didn't matter to be before because, like Lucas, I was a playboy, but now"
"But now all the pomp and circumstance matters"
"Yes" Julian says "Because when you settle down, it changes"
Peyton smiles at him "It sure does."
"But it's worth it" Julian says "Brooke's worth it. She's smart, funny, kind, has a great business head, and is one sexy fine woman! If I could get away with it I would wake up with her tomorrow morning and come downstairs to spend the holiday with you all because that is so important to her. You're the only family she has. She's talked a lot about how excited she is to be coming back to New York and she never should have left. She misses you a lot."
"I miss her, too. We grew up together. We're sisters."
"She's worried she's going to let you down" Julian adds going back to setting the table.
"She could never let me down" Peyton says "Did you see the outfit she has on tonight?"
"She looks amazing" Julian replies
"She made that" she replies "How can someone that talented not make it?"
"I have no doubt she'll be amazing. She just doubts herself"
"Always has but with our support she'll learn to trust in her abilities. I do"
"So do I" Julian says
"She's my best friend but there is no way I'd invest my husband's money in something I wasn't sure about. Lucas has always been so set against business and pleasure so I am only mixing it wisely, praying it all works out" she adds with a little laugh
The kitchen door swings open and Lucas walks in. "Brooke and I have everything ready. Why is it taking so long to set the table?"
"We've been talking" Peyton says smiling at him "Help him finish and I'll help Brooke get dinner on the table"
"Ok" Lucas says looking at her funny
"Julian has something to tell you" Peyton says kissing him and walking into the kitchen
Brooke turns and looks at her "What was that all about?" she asks as Peyton walks into the kitchen
"What do you mean?"
"You two were in there for a long time" Brooke says
"He wanted to talk to me about your Christmas present and to make sure he did ok because he wanted me to go with him but didn't ask me because I've been so busy."
Brooke smiles "Oh" She says
Peyton smiles back at her "Now let's get dinner on the table before we get yelled at for being late. Christmas Eve dinner cannot be late"
"No, it cannot" Brooke says as the door to the kitchen opens again and the guys walk in.
"Peyt, it's six fifty-two"
"I know, Luke" She says laughing at him
"We have three minutes to get dinner on the table and announce it. What are we going to do?"
Julian laughs "We'll carry it out to the table while you go announce it"
"Good plan" Peyton says walking over and kissing Lucas. "We'll be just fine. Everything is ready just start carrying" she adds walking out of the kitchen and through the dining room to the family room. She clears her throat to get the attention of everyone in the room. Avery gets up and runs over to her.
"Dinner is served" She says as she bends over to pick Avery up
"It's about time" Gwen says "What have you kids been doing in there?"
"It's six fifty-four" Peyton says "We have six minutes"
"You're cutting it a little close don't you think?" Gwen says getting up and everyone follows her lead.
"If I would have come out early you would have told me you hadn't finished your martini yet and I was rushing you"
Gwen laughs "Well I'm hungry and I want to get to bed so Santa can come and Avery can have her second Christmas morning" she says walking over to Peyton
Peyton holds her free arm out to Gwen and she takes it "Well you don't have to wait another minute" she says helping the elderly woman walk into the dining room. Brooke, Julian, and Lucas are standing by their spots. They decided to dinner family style tonight. Everything on the table and pass it around, instead of on the buffet. Lucas walks over and takes Avery from Peyton and Peyton helps Gwen to her seat. Everyone else sits once Gwen is sitting down.
"Everything looks wonderful" Keith says
"It's a Sawyer family tradition to have pot roast for Christmas Eve dinner"
"Well I love it" Keith says
"It's also a tradition to pass food around, laugh loudly and enjoy being together on the holidays when so many are not" Peyton says
"Let's toast to that" Karen says picking up her glass of wine "To our home being filled with loud laughter, family and traditions" She adds "Cheers"
"Cheers" Everyone says taking a drink of their beverage
"We have a lot of traditions in this house but they all revolve around our friends and their families. It's been nice having you all here sharing your traditions that involve just our family" Keith says looking at Peyton "And you, little miss, are just wonderful. Thank you for the Polar Express party and then doing it again today. That was so fun"
"We had a blast today" Brooke says "Those kids were great and they were so excited. Not that the children yesterday weren't great and excited but today it was the first time a lot of them have been to a Santa's Village and they were in awe."
"I know" Karen says "It was magical"
"It sure was" Peyton says smiling
"Yes, your little guy sure took to you and Lucas and Avery" Anna says
"He was smart too" Larry adds "He got you two to take him to the animals by himself and then do everything inside by himself"
Lucas laughs "Yes, Matthew, is really smart. We had a lot of fun with him today." He reaches into his coat pocket "I know, I know" Lucas adds "No phones at the dinner table but since tonight is about family style and not rules. Look at this" He says taking his phone and handing it to his grandmother.
"This is precious" Gwen says taking the phone and looking at the photo of Peyton and Matthew feeding the calf. She passes the phone around.
"Awe" Karen says "That is precious"
Everyone looks at it and then the phone gets to Peyton. She takes it and looks at it. She smiles "He and Avery just took to each other and he took to us and us him. It was a sweet afternoon" she says handing Lucas back his phone. "It makes me sad to think they had so much fun today and then had to go back to the group home for whatever was for dinner and to go to sleep not even really celebrating Christmas"
"They celebrated Christmas today" Larry said "They had so much fun. They didn't care it was just Christmas Eve. They were super excited to be here having fun. It was a great afternoon. I had a lot of fun"
"We all did" Julian says "I agree with Karen. The excitement in their eyes was magical"
Brooke smiles at him. He leans over and kisses her. Then he looks at Gwen "Sorry" He says
"Those two have been doing that all the time this year. We're starting to get used to it" Gwen says "But no making out."
"Yes, ma'am" Julian says smiling at her "So what are you hoping Santa brings you for Christmas this year, Gwen?"
"Nothing" she says "He brought me my present on Thanksgiving and it will be here until the fourth of January"
"Oh, I'm sure you want something, Grandmother"
"I'm old what more could I want then my family around my dinner table?"
"That's true" Karen says
"Well then I'm taking back the gifts I got you" Keith says "And dinner is getting cold so can we please start eating"
"Yes" Gwen says and everyone takes a dish that is in front of them and starts passing it around. Everything makes it around and everyone starts eating.
"How does an Italian Christmas Dinner sound tomorrow night?" Anna says
"Wonderful" Peyton says
"We thought we'd make a white lasagna, a traditional lasagna and a vegetarian, bread, salad." Karen says
"Oh, can't wait" Peyton says
"Me either" Julian says "I love Italian"
Everyone looks at him.
"You know I'm going to be here by dinner time tomorrow night."
Everyone smiles and continues eating.
"Well if it's ok with your mom, it's ok with us" Gwen says
Brooke starts laughing and Gwen looks at her.
"What's so funny about that, dear?" Gwen asks
"Because it's just funny to think of Julian asking his mom's permission to do anything. And it made us sound like teenagers"
"Well you're acting like teenagers, dear" Gwen says "Giddy and all in love and smitten with each other. Sometimes you're a little over the top"
"Gwen!" Peyton says "Stop it. You're just jealous we're all in love"
Gwen laughs "Dear, I was in love once in my life and that's all I need. You kids are cute and I'm glad that you're handling traditions in your own way"
"Really?" Lucas says "So if we wanted to stop dressing for dinner every single night that would be ok?"
"No" Karen says "Absolutely not but if you want to kiss your wife at the dinner table we're going to ignore it" she adds smiling
Lucas laughs and leans over to kiss Peyton.
"Luke" She says
"Mom said she'd ignore it" He says shrugging
Peyton nudges him under the table and Avery says "Cookie, please" holding up her plate. Peyton laughs
"Nana will go get you a cookie" Gwen says getting up and going into the kitchen. She returns with two cookies and puts them down on Avery's chair.
Peyton shakes her head "She's going to hate us when we get home because we don't give her cookies every day"
"Well you should" Gwen says smiling
"No way" Peyton says "You guys spoil her enough"
"We give her cookies, too" Larry says
Lucas shakes his head. "That's why we don't even keep them in the house"
"So we better always have treats at our place for when Avery comes over" Brooke says looking at Julian.
"Just put it on the list and when I have groceries delivered we get some"
Gwen looks at them "Moving in together?" she says "Already?"
"Yes" Brooke says her face turning a little red
"You just met each other" Gwen says "Don't you think it's a little soon?"
"No" Brooke replies again
Julian goes to say something then he looks at her "What a minute" He says "Lucas and Peyton moved in with each other after the holidays when they got home and everyone thought that was great"
"They got married" Gwen says
"Ok, good point" Julian says "We've slept together under your roof"
Brooke hits him.
"Ouch" Julian says "Oh, no not like that." He says "I meant shared a bed under your roof"
Gwen looks at him "That is one top that will never be allowed at this table" she says
"Yes, ma'am" He says looking down and eating
Brooke laughs at him.
"This is perfect, actually" Peyton says getting Gwen off their back. "Now, we can fix the other condo up for you guys to stay in when you come visit the baby. It's on the third floor of our building"
"Oh, what a great idea" Gwen says "Ok, I approve but next time ask first"
"Yes, ma'am" Julian says again
Lucas laughs a little and they all finish dinner.
"How about dessert in the family room." Karen asks
"Sounds great" Peyton says "Why don't you all take Avery out and the four of us will clean up. Then we'll serve dessert"
"We can do the dishes" Larry says looking at her
"No, dad" Peyton says "It's fine. We don't mind"
Larry just nods and stands up to get Avery. Then Anna follows him and so do the rest of the older adults.
Julian looks at Brooke, "You got us in trouble" he says
"I got us in trouble?" Brooke says "You're the one that said we were sleeping together under their roof"
"Yeah, true" Julian says "Sorry"
Peyton laughs "That was funny"
"Thank for saving our asses" Julian says
"She's very good at that" Lucas says "Peacekeeper"
Peyton smiles at him.
"You go sit at the counter and you can put the leftover in containers. We'll all clear and rise and load"
"No" Peyton says
"Yes" Brooke says smiling at her "Now, go"
Peyton says and goes into the kitchen. She sits down and Brooke follows her. She brings her over the leftover containers and Peyton starts laughing.
"Why are you laughing?" Brooke asks
"Because Elizabeth always takes the leftovers home and she's gone for the next few days and we won't even touch these"
"Well, let's make them. We can make like a mashed potato topped, pot roast, carrot pot pie" Brooke says
"Yum!" Peyton says "Ok, that's a great idea. We'll make them eat the lasagna too"
"Seriously, three kinds of lasagna" Brooke says then a huge smile fills her face
"What?" Brooke says "Let's invite Julian's family over! We can set the older couples in the dinning room, us at the kitchen table and the kids at the counter or heaven forbid, the family room to watch a movie while they eat" she adds laughing
"No way in hell that will ever happen" Peyton says "The kids in the family room. The rest sounds kind of great"
"What sounds great?" Lucas asks walking in carrying so of the plates from the table
"First of all we're going to make a pot roast pot pie with the leftovers. Second of all, how about we invite the Bakers over for dinner tomorrow night?" Brooke says a little hesitantly
"That's a great idea" Julian says
"Great" Peyton says "We'll pitch it to the adults during dessert. Or should I say Brooke will pitch it to them at dessert"
"No way, Peyton!" Brooke says
"Yep" Peyton says "That's part of the gig down here"
"Fine" Brooke says "This must be part of daughter in law school"
"Sure is" Peyton says laughing.
The four finish cleaning and then Peyton serves up dessert. She made dirt dessert because it's her dad's favorite. Lucas and Julian grab the trays and Peyton and Brooke grab the coffee. They walk into the family room.
"Dessert" Lucas says
"What did you girls make?" Gwen asks
"Dirt dessert"
"Oh, my favorite" Larry says
Peyton smiles "I know. That's why I made it"
Larry smiles at her. Lucas and Julian serve dessert and Peyton and Brooke serve the coffee. The four sit down and Avery walks over to Peyton.
"Up, mommy" she says rubbing her eyes and Peyton picks her up.
"She's tired" Lucas says
"We can have dessert then go and put her to bed" Peyton says
"Sounds good" Lucas responds as he leans over and kisses Avery's forehead.
Peyton gives Avery a bite of the dirt dessert and then starts eating it. After everyone has had a few bits of their dessert, Brooke clears her throat and everyone looks at her.
"Yes, dear" Gwen says taking another bite.
"I have an idea" Brooke says taking a breath
"We're not going to pull it out of your, dear" Gwen says "So stop being afraid and just tell us"
"How about we invite the Bakers to join us for Christmas Dinner?" She says "I mean we are having three different kinds of lasagna"
Karen sighs "Well we don't have enough room for everyone"
"Well" Brooke says with a sigh "All of you could eat in the dining room, we could eat at the kitchen table and the kids at the counter or in the family room"
Gwen's face drops "Did you just say children could eat dinner in the family room?" she asks surprised
"Yes" Brooke says "That's what the holidays are about family and just squeezing everyone in where you can"
"We could eat in the formal dining room" Karen says "We could set up a few tables"
Peyton gets a huge smile on her face "We can eat out in the garage"
"That's a great idea" Lucas says "It's still decorated and the tables are still set up."
"The kids could watch a movie and we could play cards after dinner" Keith says
"Anna" Karen says "What do you say? Can we serve dinner out there tomorrow?"
"Of course" Anna says "After dessert we can go out and get working on things."
Peyton smiles "How about you put Avery to bed, Gwen, and we'll all go change and go out and work on it. That way we can relax tomorrow. Next year we'll add it to Kate's responsibilities"
"That sounds like a wonderful idea" Gwen says "I can also clean up from drinks and desserts"
"No" Lucas says "We'll do that before we go out to the garage. You just put Avery to bed and head to bed yourself"
"Or what?" Gwen says "Santa Claus won't come?"
"No, he won't" Lucas says "Now go to bed"
Gwen laughs "I'm not down with my dessert, yet"
"Finish up then" Lucas says smiling at the elderly lady
Everyone finishes dessert and cleans up. Then they all go to their rooms and change. Karen, Keith, Larry and Anna are sitting in the living room when the younger couples walk in.
"You know" Peyton says "The four of us can do the work and you four could play cards"
"We can help, dear" Karen says
"No, I insist that you stay in here and relax. You get to clean it all up tomorrow" She adds with a smile
"Well if you insist" Keith says
"I do" Peyton says "We should get going. We need to pack up everything and take it out to set the tables. Lucas and Julian why don't you two go out and fire up the heaters. Also, move the table by the fireplace"
"Which one?" Julian asks
"The one on the opposite end of the sitting area one."
"Ok" Lucas says "What else?"
"That's all for now. When you get that done text me and see if we're ready for you to haul the table settings out"
"Sounds good" Lucas says kissing her
Julian kisses Brooke and the two men exit the living room
"Do you need anything before we leave?" Peyton asks
"No" Karen says "Thanks"
Brooke and Peyton walk out of the room and into the kitchen. Peyton sits at the counter. Brooke sits next to her.
"I'm sorry" Brooke says "I didn't mean to make all these extra work for you"
"No, it's ok" Peyton says "We just have to figure out who's all going to be here. Why don't you get us a cup of coffee and a couple cookies and we'll count and relax a minute before we start packing up Karen's fine china"
Brooke smiles "Ok" she says getting up and walking over to the coffee pot. She gets two cups of coffee and a plate. She then puts some cookies on it and walks back over to the counter. She hands Peyton a cup of coffee and sits down.
Peyton picks up a cookie and takes a bite of it. "So there's the nine of us and Avery. Then Julian's parents, and his sisters"
"Right. Kathrine, her husband Mark. Then the kids Charlie, Knox, and Ginny"
"And his other sister Delilah and her husband Justin and their twins Travis and Tyler"
"Shit" Brooke says "That's twenty-one people"
"We want to mingle everyone" Peyton says
"Let's put Gwen, Keith, Karen, your mom and dad, and Paul and Sylvia together. Then us eight at another table and the kids all at one table. We'll set the kids up with dinner and then enjoy dinner ourselves"
"Sounds great" Peyton says "We should get started. I wish I had an emergency crew" she adds laughing
Brooke smiles "It won't take us long"
The two pack up all the Christmas china and Lucas and Julian return to take it out to the garage. Peyton smiles when she walks in at how great the place still looks.
"You know we could have done this in the ballroom so we didn't have to bring everything out here" Brooke says
"This is our place" Peyton says "It's not as fancy it's better for families and we have the games and movies. It's more for the kids."
"That's true" Brooke says
"Since you're going to be in New York we can start thinking about next year's party and if we need anything built we can do it earlier next year"
"That's a good idea" Brooke says "You really love doing this don't you?"
Peyton smiles "I do" She says
"It's funny" Brooke says
"Why?" Lucas asks
"I never thought of Peyton as a socialite"
"I never thought of myself as one" Peyton says smiling "But It's growing on me. Now let's get this work done so we can get some sleep"
The four work hard to set up the tables for dinner and make sure everything is perfect. They head back to the house. Julian says goodnight and heads home. Everyone heads upstairs to their rooms. Peyton and Lucas go to their room and get ready for bed. Peyton is really quiet and Lucas notices. They climb into bed and settle in.
Lucas looks over at Peyton "You ok?"
"Yeah" Peyton says
"You seem distracted since we got back to the house"
"Oh, I'm sorry honey" Peyton says leaning over and kissing him
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No, it's ok" Peyton sighs
"Peyt" Lucas says "Talk to me"
Peyton sighs "I was just thinking about Matthew"
"What about him?"
"Just how much fun he had today and how much fun we had with him"
Lucas sighs "And?"
"And how he's all alone for Christmas and how fortune we are to have this wonderful family"
"Peyt" Lucas says "We can't unless we're seriously going to consider"
"I know" She says
"You're pregnant and a baby is going to be a lot of work"
"I know" She says again "But"
"But we had an instant connection with him?"
"Yes" Peyton says "And so did he and Avery"
Lucas looks at her "We don't have any presents for him"
"We could see if he could come for dinner. No one will be getting presents then"
"Peyton"
"Luke, it's a lot but it just felt right. He was instantly a part of our family and we had a great time with him"
"Ok" He says
Peyton leans over and throws her arms around him "Lucas Scott, I love you so much"
"And I love you, Peyton Scott." He says kissing her "I'm tired" he says laughing
"Me too" Peyton says
The two snuggle into each other and drift off to sleep. Once again their lives were about to change forever but they could just feel in their hearts it was right.