So sorry this is taking so long! I have a ton of work at school and I've been working longer hours than usual at my two jobs… so, it might be a little longer between updates. Also, this one is short. But I wanted to post something, so I hope this is partially worth the wait. Hope everyone has a great week!
Chapter 25 There's No Place Like Home
Four days after Megan was born, Haley was preparing herself to leave the hospital. Since Nathan has already missed so many practices to be with her, she insisted that he go back to the team. That left Peyton with the job of escorting her sister-in-law and niece home from the hospital. Haley was in the small bathroom curling her hair when an unexpected knock sounded on the door. Opening it, she tried not to grimace as she beheld her in-laws. Two generations of irritating in-laws. Certainly, May was a nice woman in her own right. But the rest of them, Haley would leave in a second.
"Hi," she said uncertainly.
"Should you be out of bed dear? I heard it was a difficult pregnancy," May said kindly.
"I'm okay now," Haley said, attempting not to roll her eyes. "What are you guys doing here? Nathan told you we would bring the baby over—"
"Oh, we couldn't wait," Deb gushed as she simply brushed past Haley and into the room.
"She's sleeping," Haley tried to say before the woman reached the bassinet. It was too late. The crying began as soon as Deb slightly jarred the baby's bed. Haley muffled a cry as she walked over to the bassinet and picked up the tiny, fussy baby. She was so tired, even after the prolonged stay at the hospital, and it already was evident that Megan was not going to be an easy child.
"You're codling her," Dan said immediately. "If you pick her up every time she cries, she'll never learn."
"She's six days old," Haley hissed, angrily glaring at her father-in-law.
"Dan, apologize."
"Do you want our granddaughter to be a wimp?"
"That's it!" Haley's firm proclamation brought silence to the little room. "Get out," she roared purposefully. "Out," she said again when they didn't start moving. Deb and May both looked ready to cry but Haley didn't quite care; she was not in the mood for visitors. Peyton was walking up the corridor, Gretchen in hand, just as the Scotts were being chased from Haley's room.
"Hello, Peyton dear," May said shakily.
"Peyton."
"Mr. Scott." She and Dan spoke as little as possible ever since the chaotic dinner and that suited her perfectly.
"Hello Gretchen," Deb said as she stooped down to the toddler's level. Gretchen smiled politely but clutched her mother's hand as she buried herself under Peyton's long jersey skirt.
"We should get going," Peyton said abruptly, picking Gretchen up and carrying her into Haley's room.
"You should be carrying her," Haley said as soon as she saw the mother and daughter.
"I had to keep her safe from the vultures outside your door," Peyton joked as she set Gretchen down on the bed. The little girl stood up and looked into the baby bassinet where Megan was once more sleeping.
"Baby," she said, as clear as day. Peyton's eyes grew wide as she stared at her daughter.
"What did you say?" Peyton asked with a laugh in her voice.
"Aunt Haley baby," Gretchen said excitedly. She continued to giggle as her mom sat down next to her, hugged her, and then plastered her with kisses. "Silly," she commented.
"All this time, you could talk," Peyton accused. There was no other possibility. The little girl's words were perfectly formed and presented. She had been paying attention all along, not willing to talk until she was certain of herself. "Since when do you talk?"
"Now, mama," Gretchen said with glee, clapping her hands. Haley was also smiling, laughing at the adorable mother-daughter duo. Although Peyton loved all of her children, she had a special place in her heart reserved for the baby that almost wasn't. Gretchen's had been a difficult pregnancy and delivery.
"You are just too smart," Haley told her gleeful niece.
"Da-da smart," Gretchen said before breaking into another grin.
"Well, apparently he has them all trained to complement him," Peyton teased. "Hey," she said, suddenly remembering the scene she had entered into. "What happened with the in-laws?"
"It's not important," Haley said with a shake of her head. "Let's get out of here!'
"Your wish is our command. Come on." Peyton picked up one of the lighter bags and held onto Gretchen's hand while Haley took her own purse and the baby carrier. The procession to the car was a slow one but they finally made it and soon after arrived at the Nathan Scott residence.
Sorry again that this was short – I plan to put up the next part asap. Also, the chapter quote is from the beloved "Wizard of Oz."