Several Days Later - Casino Courtyard
The clink of champagne glasses could be heard as Sam, Drew, Kellie, Monica and Charles toasted to Monica and Charles's engagement while in the background the kids were running around.
"Congratulations," Drew said, "I'm really happy for both of you and I'm really glad you found someone special to share your life with Mom."
"And I am so grateful you're finally well almost home where you belong," Monica said.
The group was forced to pull apart as Jamie was chasing after Scout and Alyssa. Scout and Alyssa hid behind their moms.
"Mommy, make Jamie stop chasing us with the snake," Alyssa said.
"What snake?" Jamie smiled, innocently, and showing his hands holding nothing.
"Empty your pockets," Kellie said.
"That's not necessary," Jamie said, as the pocket of his cargo shots wiggled.
"Now," Kellie said.
"Wait," Scout said, "Let us go somewhere else before he takes the snake out."
"Why don't we go look at the gardens, see all the pretty flowers" Drew said, kneeling to Scout's level, "Would that be alright?"
Scout looked anxiously at her mom.
"it's okay, if you want to," Sam said, quietly to Scout.
"Come on, Scout," Alyssa said, impatiently, moving away from Kellie and grabbing Scout's hand. She began running towards the gardens, pulling Scout with her, "C'mon, Uncle Drew."
"Sounds like you have your marching orders," Sam said.
"I forgot how bossy Alyssa can be," Drew said, standing up "But this might be to my advantage."
Drew proceeded to chase after the girls, "Wait for me."
Kellie looked expectantly at Jamie.
"Kelsey's the one that found the snake, Mom," Jamie said, opening his pocket and pulling the garden snake out, "I found her playing with it and I didn't think she really should be playing with it."
"That's very thoughtful of you, Jamie," Kellie said, "But that doesn't excuse you teasing Alyssa and Scout with it."
"I'm sorry," Jamie said, "What should I do with the snake?"
"Put it back in the garden in one of the beds away from the main path and far away from the girls," Kellie said, "And bring Jared and Kelsey back here with you afterwards."
"Mom, I was just having fun," Jamie said.
"I'd stop while you're ahead," Kellie said, "Now go."
"Do you think Kelsey was really playing with the snake?" Sam asked.
"She's happiest playing in the dirt," Kellie said, "It wouldn't surprise me."
"She's been fascinated by the sea creatures on the beach," Charles said.
"A budding veterinarian maybe," Monica said, "or marine biologist or zoologist."
"She's only two," Kellie said, "I'm sure there's plenty of time for her to figure out what she wants to do when she grows up."
"Let's not have the kids grow up any faster than they already are," Sam said, "Are there any ideas on what kind of wedding you want?"
"We haven't given it much thought yet," Monica said, "But I think something small with just family and close friends."
"That's not exactly going to be small with the number of Quartermaines," Kellie said.
"Yes, well we will have to give that some thought," Monica said.
"Whatever you want, Monica, is fine with me," Charles said, "You're the only person in the room I'll be paying attention to that day."
"Mommy," Alyssa yelled running, holding some flowers, "We picked you flowers."
Drew followed behind her, carrying Scout also holding flowers.
"They're very pretty," Kellie coming down to Alyssa's level.
Scout handed Drew her flowers and said, "You give them to Mommy."
Drew smiled and handed the flowers to Sam.
"Thank you," Sam said, "I see going to the garden was an excellent idea."
"Can we get a vase to put them in?" Alyssa asked.
"I think we can do that," Kellie said, "Scout, do you want to come with me to put the flowers in the vase? Then it's time to get you two ready for bed."
"But we haven't even had dancing yet," Alyssa said, twirling.
"There was no dancing planned for this evening," Kellie said.
"There should be," Alyssa said, pouting
"How about I put you two to bed," Kristina said, joining them, "And we'll have one song dance party before you go to bed."
"Kristina," Sam said, hugging her "I didn't know you were coming."
"I couldn't let my sisters have all the fun with wedding proposals and Drew coming back from the dead," Kristina said, "Welcome back, Drew."
"Thanks," Drew said, "It's good to see you."
"Now about bedtime and a dance party," Kristina said, turning her attention back to the girls.
"I can put the girls to bed," Sam said.
"You all enjoy your celebration," Kristina said, "I'll wrangle these two."
"I'm going to wrangle the rest of my children," Kellie said, "Frances should be following you, Kristina."
"We need vases for our flowers," Scout said, wriggling for Drew to put her down.
"Vases for flowers, got it," Kristina said.
"Three songs," Alyssa said.
"Two and that's my final offer," Kristina said.
Alyssa contemplated the offer, "Accepted."
Alyssa and Scout took Kristina's hand and left.
"Is it just me or does it seem like Kristina really looks like she's kind of figured some things out," Drew said.
"I've felt that way too," Sam said, "But she's kind of secretive about it. She's been traveling to a bunch of exotic locations and casinos lately. Kellie, do you know anything about what she's been up to."
"When she's ready, she'll tell you," Kellie said.
"Oh, come on," Sam said.
"Yes, I know what's she been doing," Kellie said, "It's her business to decide when and what she wants to tell people."
"Fine," Sam said.
"Jamie, Jared," Kellie yelled.
"We're coming," Jamie and Jared's voices yelled as they thundered back into the area. Jared was carrying Kelsey.
"I'll be back once I get these guys to bed," Kellie said.
"We're older than the girls," Jared said.
"You can read for an extra half hour," Kellie said, taking Kelsey from Jared and herding them back into the casino.
The rest of the group chuckled as Jared and Jamie complained and tried to convince Kellie to let them start a movie.
"You can also go right to bed," Kellie said as Charles's attention was caught by red laser dot pointed directly at Jamie and then at Kellie.
"Monica," Charles whispered in her ear, "take cover.
Drew's gaze followed Charles back to Kellie.
"Kellie, get down," Charles yelled as Monica dropped to the floor and under the table. Drew shoved Sam behind a bush as Charles ran towards Kellie and the kids and the sound of a gunshot echoed in the courtyard.
