Starla opened the door when the doorbell rang to find Gina, Greg, and Stella Hudgens standing on the front porch. Gina smiled big and hugged Starla as she welcomed them in. David came in saying welcome as they all made their way inside. David and Greg went to the living room and the mothers and Stella made their way to the kitchen.

"Can I get you two anything to drink?" Starla asked.

They all started to drink some tea as they caught up. The three girls looked up as Zac walked into the kitchen wearing some basketball shorts and a tank top. He rubbed his eyes and smiled.

"Zac!" Stella said excitedly as she ran to hug him.

"Hey StellaBella!" he excited as he hugged her and lifted her off the ground, twirling her around before settling her feet back on the ground. "Hey Gina," he said charmingly as he hugged her. "How have you been?"

"I've been great. How is Vanessa doing?"

"Good. She is sleeping right now. I've got to go pick up her medicine from the store. Do you guys need anything?"

The said no and Zac grabbed his keys and wallet before leaving.

Gina smiled to Starla. "You've raised an amazing young man."

"Thank you, but I only helped shape him into who he is. Vanessa is the one that keeps him that way. These past three years, it was like a different person had taken over his body. He just wasn't acting completely like Zac. Now that they are together, it's like I have my little boy back."

"I completely understand. I'm just glad they came to their senses."

Starla nodded in agreement.

Starla and Gina were sitting across from each other at the table, while Stella was sitting beside Gina, half into the conversation while messing around on her phone.

They were interrupted a little while later when Vanessa walked into the kitchen. "Mommy?" she said quietly as she emerged wearing a pair of shorts that were hidden under Zac's large t-shirt that engulfed her. Gina stood up and hugged her carefully.

"Oh, sweetie, how are you feeling? Are you okay?"

Vanessa nodded and smiled softly. "I'm okay. Just in some pain. Where is Zac?"

"He went to get your medicine from the pharmacy, sweetie. He will be back soon."

Vanessa nodded as she hugged Stella. "Hey Tete, I missed you."

"I missed you too, Nessy."

Stella sat back down and Vanessa sat in the seat beside Starla, across from Stella. She laid her head on her arms, resting on the table. Starla rubbed her back softly and smiled.

"Are you sure you still want to go out for dinner tonight? If you don't feel like it, we can always stay in and get something," Starla assured her.

Vanessa smiled. "I'm sure. I want to get out of the house. I just need this pain to go away."

As if on cue, the door in the kitchen that led to the garage opened, revealing the handsome blue-eyed boy that she loved. He smiled when he saw she was awake, but could tell she was in pain. He was holding a bag, which he put down on the counter. He grabbed a spoon from the drawer and a bottle of water before making his way over to the table. Not caring that there were other chairs he could sit in, she stood up so he could sit in her seat. She then sat on his lap and he smiled. He kissed her temple softly before wrapping his arms around her waist softly so she could lean into his chest. She pulled the items out of the bag, revealing her medicine, a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, a chocolate bar, and some sour patch kids.

She smiled widely and kissed him. "You're the best. Thank you."

"You're welcome," he smiled back. She immediately took her medicine and began to eat her ice cream, feeding him every so often.

Zac absentmindedly played with one of her long curls as he engrossed himself in a conversation with the women.

Dylan walked into the kitchen and smiled. "Stella! What's up, little sis?" he said as he hugged her tightly. "What have you been up to? You look so different!"

"You too! You finally cut that mop off of your head!" she joked as she hugged him back.

"Ha Ha Ha," he deadpanned as he hugged Gina. He grabbed something to drink before sitting beside Zac.

Vanessa leaned her head against Zac's chest, sitting sideways on his lap as she finished eating all the ice cream she wanted at that moment. She snuggled into him, closing her eyes.

Zac kissed her forehead and held her close, rubbing her thighs gently. He smiled as he felt her drift off into sleep.

"The anesthesia must still be wearing off," Gina smiled at him.

Zac nodded. "I think so."

Greg and David walked into the room and Zac instantly felt nervous. Greg had always scared the living hell out of Zac when he and Vanessa started dating, but before long they were getting along great. Greg was a big supporter of their relationship back then and had come to think of Zac as a son.

So now Zac didn't know why he was scared. He was scared he would have to start all over with Greg and he was scared that Greg wouldn't support their relationship this time around. Greg smiled and walked over to Zac, shaking his hand. "How have you been, son?" Greg asked as he sat down in the chair beside Stella, across from Dylan.

"I've been alright, Greg. How about you?"

"Well I've been great since I've known my daughter is back in your care," he smiled honestly.

Zac smiled widely and nodded. "I'm glad she is."

He dropped a kiss to the top of Vanessa's head as he looked down at her sleeping peacefully. The Hudgens and Efrons continued catching up with one another for close to an hour before they all decided to get ready to go out to a nice dinner. Zac stood up, not waking Vanessa and walked upstairs carrying her. He locked the door and gently laid her on the bed, kissing her softly after releasing her from his arms. He climbed into the shower and washed his hair and body, before getting out. He wrapped a towel around his waist and put a little bit of gel in his hair so it wouldn't go completely wild.

He walked out to see Vanessa crying softly, holding his pillow tight to her.

"Hey, shhhh, baby, what's wrong?" he asked as he quickly slipped in bed beside her, removing the pillow and pulling her close as he wiped her tears.

She shook her head and refused to look him in the eyes. "You're going to think I'm silly."

"I promise you, I won't laugh even if I do." She took a deep breath and Zac knew what was coming. She looked into his eyes and he felt his heart crack inside.

"I know that baby wasn't planned. And I don't think either one of us in ready or will be for a few years, but I can't help but feel like….."

"Like it was taken from us unfairly?" Zac finished for her as he looked deep into her eyes.

She nodded and continued to cry. "It was something we made, Zac. Out of love. Even if it wasn't planned, it was still me and you."

Zac sighed and pulled her head to his chest as she began to cry harder. He tangled one of his hands in her hair and rubbed her lower back with his other. "I know it was baby, but you are right. Neither of us is ready for a baby. When it's meant to happen, it will. And I can promise you that one day, we will have a baby together because I'm never letting you go again. Ness, I can't begin to explain how scared shitless I was when I saw you tumbling down the stairs, or when you were laying there next to me on the floor unconscious, or when I was holding your hand in the back of the ambulance as we rushed to the hospital and when the doctor told me you needed surgery to remove our baby or else you would die….. I physically felt sick. I went through hell yesterday and the thought of losing you permanently….it killed me inside."

Vanessa pulled back and wiped the tears from her cheeks before kissing him passionately. "You're not getting rid of me that easily, Efron. I've just got you back," she joked. He cracked a small smile and she did too in return.

"I love you," she said as she looked into his eyes and caressed his cheek softly.

"I love you too, baby," he said as he kissed her softly. "We've got to get ready for dinner."

She nodded and they both got up, getting ready. Zac pulled on some black dress pants and shoes. He sprayed on his cologne before putting on a white button up shirt. Finally he pulled on his tie and jacket. He turned around to see Vanessa pulling on a long-sleeved short, white dress. He motioned for her to sit down as he helped her put on her heels.

"I must have found my Cinderella," he joked with a big smile as he put the second shoe on.

"Thank you, Prince Charming," she smiled as she kissed him softly.

He smiled as he took in her beautiful long, curly hair that cascaded down her back and shoulders. "You're beautiful," he said sincerely as he looked her straight in the eye.

She couldn't help but blush and smile softly. She pecked his lips as they stood up.

"I don't feel like carrying a purse," she whined.

"Don't baby. You don't need anything."

She nodded and they left the room, heading downstairs. She smiled widely when she saw her father and she hugged him tightly. "Daddy!"

He laughed and hugged her back. "Hey baby V, how you feeling?"

"I'm okay, nothing I can't handle," she smiled as she pulled back. When everyone was in the living room, David spoke up. "Zac, why don't you drive us and Greg can drive too so that way they get to spend some time with Vanessa."

Zac didn't like the idea of being separated from Vanessa, even if it was only a twenty minute drive, but he knew Greg and Gina probably wanted some time with her alone. He nodded and grabbed his keys. "That's cool." They all stood up and went to walk outside. They started getting into the cars as Zac pulled Vanessa into a hug and kissed her softly. "I love you," he said softly.

"Love you too, baby boo." She smiled softly. She pecked his lips one more time as he opened the backseat to Gina's Lexus SUV and Vanessa climbed in. He closed the door and got into the driver's seat of his Audi, pressing the start button. When the engine started, he backed out of his driveway and Greg followed.

"Shit," Zac said under his breath as he released the gaslight on. Zac knew he would have to stop at a gas station where paparazzi would hound him, more than likely.

"What?" Starla asked concerned.

"I need gas and the paparazzi will more than likely be there and hound me like crazy." He sighed as he pulled into a gas station and saw some camera guys already standing around. He pulled on some sunglasses and got out as he saw Greg pull up to the pump behind him, obviously needing gas too. Zac motioned for him to stay in the car.

Zac used his card and began pumping his own gas.

"Zac! How are you? Where's Vanessa?! Why was she at the hospital?!"

Zac did his best to ignore the paparazzi, but they were so damn annoying. He knew they were only doing their job, but it still got on his nerves. Dylan got out of the car and started pumping Zac's gas. "I got it, bro." Dylan said as he took over.

Zac nodded and walked to the SUV parked behind him. Paparazzi had gathered around it as they realized the Hudgens' were inside.

Zac hated talking to the paparazzi, but he knew he would have to in order to get them away from the car.

"Talk to us Zac! Just give us a statement!"

Zac sighed as he pulled out his wallet and used his card to start the pump. He stood protectively in front of Vanessa's car door as he pumped the gas.

"How is Vanessa? Why was she in the hospital?"

"She's fine. None of your business, dude." Zac replied with a clenched jaw.

"How are you enjoying your time home? What are you doing for Thanksgiving?"

Zac put on his best straight face and ignored the rest of their comments. He was nearly done pumping gas when one of them stepped over the line. "Is it true, Zac? Was Vanessa pregnant? Did she have an abortion?"

Zac felt his blood boil as he spun around towards the paparazzi and got in his face, backing the guy up so the photographer's back was touching the hood of Gina's SUV. "What the fuck did you just say?!" Dylan heard what happened and ran over, knowing Zac was about to do something he may regret later. Dylan threw his arm around Zac's shoulder, and said quietly under his breath as he prayed Zac didn't fight his way out of his grip. "Don't do it, bro. It's not worth it."

Zac took a deep breath as he replaced the gas nozzle and put the gas cap back on. Zac looked into the backseat and saw that Vanessa was crying. Zac wanted nothing more than to climb in the backseat with her, but he knew if he did, the paparazzi would be able to get some pictures while the door was open. Dylan pulled him away from the car and Zac quickly pulled off, followed by Greg. Zac was clenching the steering wheel so tight that his knuckles were turning white.

The car stayed silent until Zac spoke up a few minutes later. "Thanks bro."

Dylan nodded and smiled. "No problem."

When they pulled up to the restaurant twenty minutes later, they got out at the valet services. Zac handed his keys over as he quickly went to Vanessa's door. He opened it and felt relieved when he saw her smiling.

She quickly got out and hugged him tight.

"Are you okay?" he asked as they all began to walk inside. She nodded reassuringly and smiled. "Yeah, I'm good. Thank you for what you did. I thought you were going to beat his ass."

"I would have if it hadn't been for Dylan."

She squeezed his hand, telling him she was indeed okay and they walked up to the hostess.

"Hello, how many do you have?"

"8," David replied.

"Name?"

"Efron."

The waitress seemed slightly shocked when she looked up and realized who exactly was standing in front of her.

"Right this way, please." She said as she led them to their table. The table had four seats on each side. Starla, Zac, Vanessa, and Greg sat on one side, while David, Dylan, Stella, and Gina sat across from them, respectively. Vanessa rested her left hand on Zac's thigh as she looked through the menu. He placed an arm around the back of her chair, protectively as he looked over it as well.

As they began to eat their dinner, the conversation between the two families flowed very easily.

"Are you boys excited to go to the Giants game tomorrow?" Gina asked. The families had planned for the men to go to the baseball game while the women had a relaxing spa day together.

"Yes ma'am! I can't wait!" Dylan replied excitedly.

They all enjoyed their dinner and dessert. When the waitor brought out the check, Zac quickly grabbed the bill, placing his card inside.

Vanessa grabbed his hand tightly, under the table, her short nails digging into his skin.

"What's wrong?" he asked, worried.

"Nothing, it's fine." She said as she still squeezed his hand.

"Baby, look at me. Tell me what hurts."

Zac's mind automatically went into overdrive, fearing the worst. "You're not…bleeding are you?" he asked quietly.

She shook her head. "I just think my medicine has wore off. Can we go home?"

He nodded quickly and he explained to everyone that Vanessa wasn't feeling well. They all got up and stood outside, waiting for valet to receive their cars. Zac took off his jacket and held it open, for V to put it on. When paparazzi started to come around them, Zac quickly hid her face in his chest, keeping his arms around her.

Thankfully the paparazzi didn't hound them with questions. Zac went to help Vanessa into the SUV but she shook her head. He knew that meant she wanted him to ride with her. He threw his keys to David and climbed into the backseat with Vanessa and Stella. The families began to pull off. Zac finally let his grip around Vanessa loosen as they pulled out of the parking lot. She sighed, but kept her face in his chest.

"I think they have gotten worse." Gina commented. "They had seemed to calm down."

"That's because Austin always broke the camera with his ugly face," Stella said under her breath, making Zac laugh.

He felt Vanessa giggle and he placed a kiss in her hair.

She winced everytime she felt a pain course through her and Zac knew it because she would squeeze his shirt tightly in her fists. He would rub her back soothingly and kiss the top of her head over and over until it subsided.

When they reached the Efron's house, Zac immediately got her medicine and helped her to the two person, oversized chair in the living room. He took off her heels before placing a blanket over her toned, tanned legs. "I'm going to go change and I'll be right back," he said as he kissed her softly. She nodded and smiled as a newly changed Dylan sat beside her.

He saw she was still in a little bit of pain. "I know I'm no Zac, but I'm pretty damn close," he joked as he opened his arms. She giggled, but winced in pain as she rested her head against his shoulder. As everyone else returned from changing, they sat around in the living room, with Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving playing in the background.

"See, I told you she couldn't resist the Efron charm," Dylan joked to everyone as Vanessa hit his chest.

"I hate to tell ya son, but I think you're being used as a temporary replacement." David shot back at him.

Vanessa giggled as Dylan faked a dramatic gasp. She squeezed her eyes shut when another wave of pain came. She felt Dylan remove his arm from around her, but she didn't protest as she felt herself being lifted up in two strong arms, before coming to a rest on someone's lap. She didn't have to open her eyes to know who it was. She could tell by his smell, his touch, and just his presence in general. She immediately buried her face in his neck as he rubbed her back softly.

"Damn, I was just being used," Dylan joked.

Everyone laughed and shook their head. Zac began to run his fingers through her hair gently, knowing it had almost an immediate calming effect on her. When he felt her fists unclench his t-shirt, he knew it was helping. She placed a light kiss on his neck in thanks and relaxed against him.

Starla and Gina watched the interaction knowingly and smiled to one another.