Chapter 12 [Five Minutes Later—Parker Residence]
Peter set the table. He'd already stacked the plates on the counter. He shoved boxes away from the door to allow everyone a (somewhat) clear path through the door. "I think that's everything."
"Man with a plan. We've got this, Mr. P." Gwen set the juice pitcher on the table. "Maybe they can get this done today?"
He shrugged. They'd both seen Clark's super speed back in Smallville. Lana apparently had the same abilities. "That'd be great. I just don't want a certain wizard or his crew popping up in the process."
She shook her head. "You sure attract unique people. You know that?"
"I found you. Didn't I?" He smirked at her.
She rolled her eyes. "Touché. There are exceptions to every rule. Aren't there?" She arched the eyebrow.
He held up his hand. Sol glinted off his wedding band. "You know my answer to that already, Pretty Lady."
"And that was the right answer." She stole a kiss off of his cheek.
A knock came from the door.
"Already?" She raised her eyebrow.
He shrugged. "Guess so." He cracked the door to find Clark, Lana and Jennifer waiting. "Hi, Guys! You made it! How did everything go?" He opened it wider and ushered them inside.
Jennifer waited until they got into the house. "Clark did great for his first time. He had a slight hiccup over the Great Lakes. Take off was great. Landing was much better than I expected. "
Clark grinned. "I told Dad I could do it."
"Practice makes perfect, Clark. I had to work at my photos and the other stuff until I got it right. Meantime, if anyone needs the bathroom or to wash up, we can do that. Then we'll eat." Peter pointed toward the bathroom.
"I'll call Mom and let her know." Clark dialed his phone and walked toward the corner.
"Wow! What a trip! Guess we won't need a plane anymore. Can't wait until I can start working on it. I'll be right back." Lana headed for the bathroom.
"Glad you made it." Gwen set the plates across the counter. "I still can't believe you just flew here from Kansas!"
"We did. I flew there from my office at Greenwich State last night. We actually landed outside of the City and ran the rest of the way in. I wasn't about to chance a crash landing in Central Park or in Midtown Manhattan." Jennifer walked into the kitchen. She washed her hands in the sink. "Thanks for doing this for them. I'm glad we could get some distance."
"Good thinking. I know about disapproval. I had to deal with my ex-boss. I worry about my Aunt May finding out." Peter nodded.
"But you do so much good, Peter. Mr. Jameson needs a serious clue. As for Aunt May, we'll deal with that when it comes." Gwen frowned. "I can't believe I used to think you were a coward. I just needed to know the truth. Once that happened, insanity never stood a chance." She made a 'poof' motion with her hands. Apology bowed her head.
"Hey. We got past that. You didn't know." Peter raised her chin. He kissed her forehead. "We're straight now. As you like to say, Gwendy, right as rain."
She embraced him. Her heart soared in that moment. And to think people didn't believe in him. To think I thought he was cheating on me. What possessed me? Look at him, Gals. And he's all mine! And I'm all his! "I love you. Don't forget that."
"I won't. Ever." Affirmation warmed him through and through. "We do have our guests."
"Don't mind me. I think it's great myself. You gave them a much needed shove in the right direction from what I hear. You've seen Dave and Angie together. Talk about mutual reinforcement." Jennifer mused over her stepparents' achievements in the face of Adversity's overdrive. "Our ancestors sure did a job back in the day. Theirs and mine inspire us. Maybe some day I'll meet someone like that."
"Just keep the faith. You never know who's going to come through that classroom door." Gwen rubbed Peter's arm. "Everything okay?"
Clark put his phone back in the pocket. "Mom's okay now. She was glad everything went as well as it did. She wanted to thank you for the breakfast. She also offered to send some money to help out."
Gwen arched an eyebrow. "You all are helping us too! That's fine. What are a few pieces for our merry crew? Come on and take a seat. Let's eat. Then we can get started."
"The infamous apple French toast. Lex mentioned that." Lana coughed. "Clark and I are already engaged."
"You hear that, Mr. Cupid? Your spell won't work this time!" Gwen slapped at Peter's arm playfully.
"It works when it has to." Peter put out three pieces of the toast and bacon on each plate. "Hope this works for everyone."
"Are you kidding? That smells great! Mom still wants this recipe. Lex has talked about it." Clark sat down at the table.
"Inspiration makes the world go round, Clark. I can't wait to try this for myself." Lana joined them.
"Good stuff coming up!" Peter set the first two plates down in front of the traveling teens. The next two came to Gwen and Jennifer. He came with his own plate last. Then he poured coffee for their mugs. "Here goes!"
Great Stuff came in all shapes and sizes….