Part Trente et Un

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Luke woke up slowly the next morning. He was warm and comfortable, and the scent of Julie's shampoo was all around him. He blinked, seeing the top of her head, her face was buried in his chest and they were wrapped around each other. He just lay there quietly, breathing the moment in, remembering how they had gotten to this point.

When Ray had shown up in the doorway last night, Luke was sure he would be at least a little mad. He wasn't though, and that 'You're good here tonight Luke.' would stay with him for a long time. He respected the hell out of Ray, and, more importantly, Julie. Knowing that Ray knew that, and was completely accepting of him, was almost unbelievable and definitely a little overwhelming.

After Ray had left, Luke had managed to get the covers out from under he and Julie and maneuver the two of them down in the bed to lay flat. He had attempted to pull away from her only once, he thought he should get on top of the covers, that it would be better. But, she had made a little distressed noise in her sleep and her hands had gripped his shirt, holding him in place. How could he possibly have moved after that?

The sound of her steady breathing was lulling him back to sleep, but then he heard his phone buzz softly next to him, it had been in his back pocket, but it must have slid out during the night. He carefully lifted his arm and reached behind himself, feeling around for a minute before finally catching it in his hand. It was still early, only 9 am, and the message was from Ray.

Ray: Luke, Reggie and I are making chocolate chip muffins for Julie's birthday breakfast. Can you keep her up there for another half hour or so? We want it to be a surprise.

Luke: Of course! She's still asleep for now, so it shouldn't be too difficult, I just won't wake her up! :)

He set his phone back down behind him and carefully put his arm around Julie again, he would stay here forever if he could.

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All too soon his phone buzzed again. Luke wasn't really asleep, he had just been dozing slightly, enjoying the quiet and the feeling of Julie in his arms.

Ray: Muffins are almost ready! Time to wake up Sleeping Beauty, Luke!

'Well, isn't that just a lovely idea?' Luke grinned to himself, shifting around a little, and brushing Julie's hair back so he could cup her chin and tip her head up.

"Jules. Sweetheart, it's time to wake up." He gently nudged her nose with his own, before softly laying a quick kiss on her lips. "Happy Birthday, Julie."

"Hmmmmmm." She hummed, her eyes slowly blinking open. They focused on him, glowing in adoration, and she broke into a huge smile.

'God, she's beautiful.' Luke's heart stuttered in his chest, "I love you."

Julie couldn't help but kiss him again after that, and there was a bit of a delay in heading downstairs.

Luke especially needed a little longer, just sitting in bed breathing, while Julie went to the bathroom, once they managed to focus on getting up.

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When they made it downstairs, the muffins were cooling on the counter, and everyone was gathered, ready to wish Julie a Happy Birthday. Carlos ran to her first, throwing his arms around his sister, "Happy Birthday Julie!"

"Thanks Carlos!" She hugged him tight, he was really the sweetest little brother.

Ray stepped forward next, and they shared a long hug, him whispering in her ear. Both were a little teary-eyed when they pulled back, but still smiling.

Julie hugged Alex, Willie, and Reggie, and then it was time to eat. They all dug in to the delicious, still warm, chocolate chip muffins, and discussed the plan for the party that night.

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"All right guys! Are we set?" Ray was standing by the door, ready to drive them all over to the party. Carlos had been picked up by his friend Benny's mom, he and the rest of his 'Ghostbusters' were going trick-or-treating before the sleepover.

Julie couldn't help but snicker, it was hysterical to hear her dad's voice come out of the detailed Chewbacca mask, and don't get her started on the furry zip-up suit he was wearing.

"We're ready Ray!" Reggie was practically vibrating in excitement in his Han Solo costume. His dad would have never dressed up with him, Ray was the coolest.

"We're ready Ray." Alex was shaking his head fondly at Reggie from where he stood holding hands with Willie.

"Okay then! Let's go!" Ray tossed the car keys to Luke. "You're actually driving, I can't see enough in this mask."

Considering the toss had been way to Luke's left, and he had to lunge to grab the keys out of the air, Luke just nodded in agreement, his eyes wide.

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The party was already filling up when they arrived. Carrie and Flynn had invited most of the music program and the Lacrosse team, letting everyone know that there would be no spiked punch or shenanigans, since both Bobby and Ray were going to be there. Carrie had also made it clear it was partly a birthday party for Julie, and she wanted her to have fun, so anyone trying to pull any stupid crap was going to be kicked out immediately. Carrie was determined this would go well, and that Julie would have a good time for her first birthday without her Mom.

Flynn was backing her up, she also knew this was Carrie's way of making up for some of the mean things she had said. It was nice to have her back as a friend, and Flynn wasn't going to let anything mess it up again.

"Oh my god!" Carrie had loved the Aladdin/Jasmine idea from Flynn, but, "You look amazing Julie! I never would have guessed it, but it's perfect!"

"That is not just 'band members'. I'm sorry I doubted you Julie!" Flynn was blown away, their costumes were detailed and on point. Julie wore a white button up, knotted at her midriff, and high-rise long jean shorts. Her hair was also pinned up to create the illusion of it being the correct shorter length from the movie, bangs included. Luke had his hair styled pretty close to Johnny's in the movie, and was wearing black slacks and a black tank top.

"I told you my idea was good!" Julie grinned at them, her hand wrapped around Luke's bicep. She had been glad he wanted the sleeveless, but she had somehow missed considering that it would be a tight sleeveless tank top, and she couldn't stop mentally congratulating herself. She was really enjoying the night already.

"Alex, Willie! You guys look great!"

"Reggie, and... oh my god!"

Flynn and Carrie broke into laughter at Ray, "That- that is the best!"

"You look awesome Mr. M! My dad didn't even try compared to that!"

"Excuse me?! I am a doctor, I've got a white coat and a stethoscope. Hey Ray, everyone. You all look great, and it's great to see you. Happy Birthday Julie!" Bobby gave her a hug, sharing a look with everyone over her head. "Would you be willing to loan me the guys for a few minutes Julie?"

"Uh, sure." Julie shrugged.

"Perfect!"

Luke dropped a quick kiss on her cheek, then followed Bobby, Ray, Alex, Willie, and Reggie into the living room where the party was getting started.

"So, is there a DJ and then Karaoke, or the other way or what? You two have been pretty tight-lipped about the party plans." Julie raised an eyebrow at Flynn and Carrie in inquiry.

They exchanged a long glance, then Carrie stepped back towards the living room as Flynn responded to Julie.

"We just wanted to make sure everything was going to go well. We know this year is a little different and we thought it should be special."

"What exactly does that mean?" Julie's eyes had narrowed and she stared at Flynn suspiciously.

A yell came from the living room, and Carrie spun around and grabbed Julie's arm, "They're ready Flynn!"

Flynn grabbed Julie's other arm and they pulled her into the living room and through the crowd, to stand right in front of the small stage that had been set up. She gasped, unsure why the guys were set up to play, they hadn't practiced anything for this with her.

"Wha..?"

Bobby- Trevor stepped on stage from the right, his guitar slung around him, and spoke into what was obviously to be his microphone.

"You are all here for an awesome Halloween party, planned by my amazing daughter, Carrie, and her friend Flynn. But. We are all also here for Carrie's friend Julie. It's her birthday, and her band came and asked me if I would join them in playing a few of my old songs as a tribute to her Mom, who, sadly, is not with us tonight in person, but is always out there looking out for her. And, because this is for you, Julie, I thought I would let your band take the lead. I'm just here as rhythm guitar for support tonight."

He winked at her, and she smiled brightly back through her tears. He was giving her the music she and her mom had loved, but the way it was always meant to be, as Luke's music.

Her eyes found Luke's and he grinned at her as he introduced the first song, 'Long Weekend', and the boys began to play.

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They had played for almost an hour, all the songs Julie and her mom had loved, and then announced it would be a DJ for the next couple hours before karaoke started. Luke set his guitar in it's stand and hopped down off the front of the stage to meet her, Julie jumping into his arms and kissing him hard.

"That was so.. I just...thank you Luke. I've been wishing to hear them from you the way you wrote them ever since we talked." She whispered in his ear as he set her down, and Alex and Reggie came over for a band hug.

"What did you think, Julie? Were you surprised?" Reggie was bouncing a little, adrenaline from performing flowing through him.

"I was very surprised, but I loved it Reg. Thank you guys so much."

"We wanted to do something big for you, you're always there for us, Julie." Alex smiled at her, his hand caught by Willie, as he, Bobby and Ray walked up.

"Thank you." Julie looked around quickly, it was only the guys and Flynn, but she still lowered her voice, "Bobby. That was so nice. I loved it."

He nodded at her, "Rose was my friend, and she would have been disappointed in me, I hope she sees this as a sort of apology. Can't go back and change it, but I can do better from now on."

Julie gave him a quick hug. "I think you would've been forgiven after Canada and everything else, but still, thanks."

Ray wrapped an arm around Julie and asked, "Are you ready for cake mija? Then Bob- uh, Trevor and I are going to go find a movie to watch in the den and let all you kids have your fun."

"Hey, where did Carrie go?" Alex asked. He had slightly gotten to know her since the dinner, and he really wanted to sit in on a Dirty Candi practice sometime.

"She went to take care of the next part of the night." Flynn had a smirk on her face, checking her phone she started counting down, "3, 2, 1..."

"Hello? Your attention please?" Carrie was now on stage, people moving behind her to clear the instruments and reset for the DJ and karaoke. "As we said it is my friend Julie's 17th birthday tonight and I would like you all to join me in wishing her a very Happy Birthday!" She started singing as a huge cake was brought out by some of the catering staff, lit candles and everything.

"Happy Birthday, dear Julie, Happy Birthday to YOU..."

Julie felt Luke squeeze her hand as she leaned to blow out the candles, and she glanced at him, right by her side. 'I don't really know what to wish for, my life is pretty great right now.'

She finally decided, 'I wish things stay this good, that everything keeps working out.' With a deep breath she blew out all the candles. Everyone applauded and the cake was taken away to be cut up and set out on the dessert table.

"Okay! The DJ is just finished setting up, so lets get this party started!" Carrie yelled happily, before dashing off the stage to give Julie a hug herself.

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A/N:The next part may take a few days, but there also might be 2 more parts of the party? We'll see.