Matthew's girls arrived at Jean and Lucien's right on time for lunch. Lucien and Matthew were do at any moment. Jean always the gracious host offered tea until the arrival of the others. Once everyone had arrived Jean went back into the kitchen to finish preparing lunch. Lucien went in to help set the table, and help her if he could.
Matthew was talking to the girls and wanted to know what news they had for him. Just as the words came out of his mouth there was a knock at the door. Jean replied, "I'll get it". She ushered the guests through where Matthew and the girls were. Victoria stood and greeted her husband with a kiss to his cheek and turned to Matthew and said, "Dad, you remember my husband Toby don't you". "Yes, yes welcome Toby and who do you have there", replied Matthew. With a huge smile on her face Victoria introduced Matthew to his grandson. "Dad this is your grandson, his name is Matthew Tobias Stevens", remarked Victoria. Matthew reached out to hold the boy with tears streaming down his face. "How come you didn't tell me you were pregnant" said Matthew. "Dad you had enough worries with your accident and all, I thought this would be best" smiled Victoria. Of course Jean and Lucien had overheard the commotion and just as they arrived in the doorway Matthew was standing holding little Matthew with a proud grandfather look.
As everything calmed down they sat down to enjoy the wonderful lunch that Jean has supplied. Elizabeth figured it was time for her announcement. "Dad I have something to tell you as well" replied Elizabeth not wanting to upend her sisters surprise. "I know we haven't seen much of each other over the last couple of years so I will just say it, I got married about six months ago" smiled Elizabeth. Matthew stood with a scowl on his face, "What, Whom speak girl". We hadn't meant to keep it a secret but you do know him. Elizabeth stood and walked to the door to let her husband in. She walked into the kitchen holding his hand and hoping to keep her father from killing him and his mother from the same. Matthew glared up from the table and saw none other than Jack Beazley. Jack spoke, "Before anyone gets too angry let me say I have turned over a new leaf with Liz's help and I have a really good job. We are happy and were quite afraid of the two of you. That is why we waited till the dust was settled before we came to inform you. Please Mr. Lawson don't be angry with Liz she is the best think in my life and I couldn't see myself without her".
There was no use in being angry the deed was already done. They were married no matter what he thought, and Liz did seem extremely happy. Jean on the other hand was still silent. Matthew walked over behind Jean and asked her to meet him and Lucien in the study for a moment. She reluctantly followed.
"Jean I know it is a shock for me as well, but they seem happy", smiled Matthew. "I just worry Matthew, what will come of our friendship if they muck this up", cried Jean. "Nothing Jean, you are married to my best friend and nothing could stop me from being your friend even if they do muck it up as you say" reassured Matthew. Lucien wrapped her in his arms and hugged her tightly and said, "All we can do is hope for the best and hope they do their level best". All in agreement they walked back into the kitchen to see Jack consoling his wife as if she was worried that her father was in fact going to kill them both.
Matthew walked straight up to Jack and shook his hand tightly and said, "Welcome to the family I am happy for you both, but keep in mind we love you both and expect you to keep in touch". Jean followed suit hugging both Jack and Elizabeth . Lucien pulled Jack aside and asked him to forgive him for everything and not hold that against his mother. He told him Jean loved him and has missed him and he did not want to be the reason that Jack didn't keep in touch. Jack assured him that the reason he stayed away was he needed to straighten his own life up and not rely on his mother to clean up his messes. Lucien slapped his back and congratulated him on his marriage and Jack returned the same.
Everyone now more relaxed sat around the table talking about their lives and just catching up in general. Lucien sat with his arm around his wife, who was now relieved to see her wild boy happily married to a hometown girl whom she had always loved. Jack was oozing love as he watched Elizabeth talk to her father. Toby held Victoria close watching her play with little Matthew's hair. Matthew was engrossed in all the conversation with the proudest father/grandfather smile anyone had every seen him have. Lastly Matthew said, "When you all come back for Christmas this year I will introduce you to Alice". They all exclaimed, "Who's Alice". Matthew smirked and replied" I guess that's my surprise"!