Chapter 8

It was like time stood still. Laura froze was she really ready for this? Then she shook her head, this was ridiculous. Why was she acting this way? Everything would be fine, she loved Riker and she wasn't going to let anyone get in the way of that, even Ross. And Ross would be okay with it. After all he has Maia. So there should be nothing to worry about right?

Right.

Laura went to go answer the door, when she heard voices. It was Mrs. Lynch and Rocky. Mother and son were reuniting after some time apart. She has always loved Mrs. Lynch or Stormie she told her to call her. She was an amazing woman who loved basically everyone. And by the sound of joy coming from Rocky, he really did miss his mother.

"Are you ready?" Riker asked. Laura didn't even realize that he came up on her. Laura smiled and nodded her head. Riker tenderly kissed her a brief kiss. Letting her know that everything was going to be okay. Riker then went out to the living room to greet his mother and his brother.

"Hey Mom." Riker said. He maybe twenty years old, but the sight of his mother that he hasn't seen in a few months brought tears to his eyes. Hey he loved his mother; his entire family would be lost without Stormie.

"My baby boy, how I missed you." Stormie cried out. She sure missed her oldest son. She loved all her kids equally, but she had a special relationship with Riker because he was her first, and Riker was such a tender boy who would rather hurt then to hurt anyone.

"So how are you mom? I know that is a stupid question considering the circumstances, but how are you?" Riker asked.

"As expected I am a mess, I can't believe your brother put us in this situation. He's my baby so I can't stand to see him upset, and as angry as I am with your father for kicking him out. Ross does need to learn how to be a grown up. I am just as grateful to Laura for letting him stay here. Or I shall say for letting you three live with here."

"Ummm yeah about that mom."

Stormie laughed. "Riker Anthony don't think I don't know what is going on with you and Laura. And I just want to say how happy I am that you are happy. You couldn't have picked a better girl. You know how much your father and I adore her. She is an amazing young smart talented and caring young woman. Just please don't make me a grandmother anytime soon. It's bad enough your brother has."

Riker smiled. He knew his mother wouldn't mind that he was with Laura. Riker turned to see Laura finally coming out to the living room. He knew she was hiding out, as much as she wanted to act like she wasn't scared, Riker knew that she was. So hearing what his mother said must have put some of those fears to rest.

"There you are Laura! Come give me a hug." Stormie said. Laura just smiled; she was foolish to think that Stormie would ever hate her. She doesn't think Stormie would ever have it in her to hate anyone.

'Hey Stormie, Nice to see you again. How was your flight?"

Stormie rolled her eyes. "The flight itself was fine, but when you have a husband and a child not speaking to one another, it makes it stressful."

'Well I am sorry about that. I am happy to see you again."

Stormie smiled. "Yeah it is so nice to see you Laura. And I hope you heard what I told Riker. I am so happy that you guys are together. He is really lucky to have you."

Laura smiled. She looked at Riker and shook her head. "I am the lucky one, you raised a terrific son here Stormie. He is amazing." Riker just smiled. The blush on his cheeks was a sign that he was getting embarrassed over the praise. But it was true and it made her love him even more when he is not boastful about himself.

Stormie was so happy to see her son and Laura look so in love and happy.

Riker pulled Laura into a hug, and whispered into her ear "I told you"

"Yes you did." Laura said. Then she realized something.

"Stormie, how did you know about me and Riker?" Laura asked looking between her and Riker. Riker just shrugged. Stormie laughed.

"Sweetie it wasn't hard to pick up on. I saw the looks Riker would give you and you to him during the tapings of the show, and once Rocky said that he was staying here with you. That was when I knew."

"I am just glad you are not upset. I wouldn't know what to do if you were. I love Riker so much I just wanted to let you know that I will never hurt him."

"Oh Sweetie, I can see how much you love him, and that warms my heart. But you guys will hurt one another, not on purpose of course but that is how love works, but the great thing is that love can and will prevail over anything."

Riker smiled at his mother. It was amazing to have such an awesome mother like her. He knew she wouldn't be a problem for them. It was Ross that he was concerned about. Speaking of Ross.

"Hey Mom, where's Ross?"

Stormie turned to look at her son. "He's outside on the beach, that is where Rocky is at too. I know he is upset with himself, and I am too with him, but it hurts to see my baby in so much pain. Laura I am so thankful that you are letting him stay here. In fact you have three of my boys here so thank you for Rocky and Riker too. If they give you any trouble let me know and I will set them straight."

Riker just rolled his eyes. Laura laughed.

"No worries, Riker and Rocky have been perfect roomies, and Ross is my best friend so I am sure it will be cool having him here. And you are welcome here anytime that you want. The same goes to the rest of the family."

Stormie smiled.

"So I don't mean to pry but how is Ross exactly?" Laura asked.

Stormie rolled her eyes as she went to set down on the couch, Riker and Laura following her lead.

"I know he is hurting, but he doesn't say anything to me or his father. He just sits and sulks. I know he is upset about the label suspending your deal and for losing the movie. I just am still trying to comprehend that this young man is the same baby I raised. I know that any of his relationships are his to deal with and I don't want to pry into them, I just raised him better to respect him and whoever he was with to use protection. It just phantoms my mind that he was so careless."

'Yeah tell me about it." Riker answered.

Laura just sat there. She felt so bad for Stormie, she loved her family so much and to see it so splintered must be killing her. Laura meant that she was welcomed here anything that she wanted.

"Hey Stormie, How do you think Ross is going to take to me and Riker?" Laura asked.

Stormie sighed. "Honestly I don't know Laura, My son has been doing things lately that have been surprising me, and so I can't tell you that. I do know that if he has a problem with it I will personally come back here and kick him out on the streets myself. He should be thankful that his brother found someone as amazing as you."

Laura smiled. Riker loved seeing her so happy.

"Thank you for saying that. I have his room ready, Rocky sleeps in the middle room and Ri..."Laura was about to say were Riker slept. But this was his mother she was talking too.

Stormie laughed. "Sweetie I know where Riker sleeps at. All I ask is you don't make me a grandmother too soon, okay? Ross already has.."

The blush on Laura and Rikers faces were as bright as red lava. Stormie laughed. She loved this!

"Mom can we not talk about my sex life please?" Riker asked.

" RIKER!" Laura screeched. Completely mortified.

Stormie just chuckled. " It's alright sweetie, but lets change the subject. I just wanted to let you know that me and the boy's father will help with rent around here, how much is it."

"Oh no Stormie you don't have to do that. I have it under control." Laura asked.

Riker cut in "Yeah mom, plus I am going to be helping out more, With R5 being out of commission for the time being. I am going to focus on acting. I already got an agent and I am going to meet with him this week about some auditions." Riker said.

"That's great honey! But me and your father still want to help out, especially if Rocky and Ross will be here too."

"You don't have to do that Stormie!"

"I will hear no more, Mark and I will be helping out financially, Laura you are caring for our boys, and you Make Riker here so happy. It is the least we could do."

Knowing his mother, that she will not be denied, Riker decided to let it happen. But he was going to help more and even if he had to get a real job at some restaurant or bar he will do it. It was time that he was man enough to take care of his girl.

"Thanks Mom, I promise I will pay you back every last cent. I meant what I said I will be doing more to help around here. I want to help take care of Laura after all that she has given me."

"Riker you know you don't have to do that right?" Laura said.

"Yes I do. You mean everything to me, what kind of man would I be if I just mooched off you. You love me, but you are also letting my brothers live here with us. This is the least I can do to repay you."

Stormie couldn't help but tear up. The look in Rikers eyes looking at Laura was complete love. Her little boy has truly grown up to be a fine man. And looking at Laura and the look she was giving Riker, There was no doubt to Stormie that her baby's heart was in good hands.

"Now I guess we should go get Ross and get him settled in. I just really hope he is okay with us Riker."

"Don't worry about that Laura I will handle Ross if he gives any trouble about you two. He doesn't need to focus anything other than growing up and finding how to take care of this baby he has on the way." Stormie said.

The three talked for a little bit longer before finally getting up to get Ross and Rocky. It was time to get this situation underway. The three Stormie, Laura and Riker made their way outside when they noticed Rocky and Ross sitting a little ways down on the beach. As they made their way down Ross turned his head and noticed the three were coming, he got up. He was excited to see Laura. Man she really became more gorgeous. And to be honest Ross also missed Riker. Rocky was out in Puerto Rico for a bit, but Riker has stayed so he hasn't seen his older brother in months.

"Hey Riker! Hey Laura!" Ross called out.

" Hey Ross." Laura said

"Hey bro, nice to see you." Riker said as he and Ross did their handshake and did a quick hug. Ross walked over to Laura and gave her a hug.

"Man Laura did you grow over the break, You look different. You got highlights didn't you?" Ross said amazed. Laura did look beautiful before, but now she is just gorgeous.

"Yeah I did, I was in a mood for a change." Laura said,

"Well you look amazing. Thank You again for doing this and letting me live here with you."

"No problems Ross, we are friends, best friends. I'm just sorry you have to go through this."

"Why are you sorry? I'm the one who didn't wear any condoms, and now I have a baby on the way. And instead of being supportive like a good father would be, mine kicked me out." Ross said.

Stormie spoke up "Ross we went over this, I am not happy that your father kicked you out, but when are you going to stop blaming others for your mistakes. If you didn't have unprotected sex with that poor girl none of this would be happening. Now no more of this attitude of yours mister, it is long time that you grow up and take responsibility for your actions, do you hear me?"

Riker, Rocky and Laura felt uncomfortable. Stormie wasn't the kind of person to raise her voice, but when she did you know she was pushed too far. Ross really should work on keeping his foot out of his mouth.

Ross had the decency to look apologetic. "I'm sorry mom. I shouldn't have said it, but I just hate this!"

"I know you do Ross, So do I but your father thinks this is going to be good for you. And the more I think about it, so do I. Now Ross we have to go over something's."

"Like what?" Ross said.

" Like how I want you to be the man I know you can be and help out around here, This goes for you too Rocky. Riker already said he was going to do his part. But you two need to help around the apartment and not just live off Laura, She is doing an amazing job for you guys and I do not want her to be taken advantage of."

"Yes Mom, I got it. I just got a job at the surf shop to get some extra cash around the place. Since R5 won't be coming back soon. I figured I needed something to keep me busy." Rocky said.

"That's great sweetie! Now Ross since you will be living here, Your Austin and Ally earnings will go towards living expenses and such. Do you understand me?"

"Yes." Ross said gloomily. What he can't even keep some of his money? Damn!

'And half of it will go towards a fund for your baby."

Great, just great thought Ross. No money what so ever.

"Yes mam." Ross said.

"That's good. Now we need to talk about something else, but let's go inside so we can have more privacy shall we."

Ross and Stormie went ahead of the rest to the apartment. Rocky looked at Riker and Laura gave them a brief smile letting them know he was on their side and he made his way home. Leaving Riker and Laura alone.

"You Okay?" Riker asked.

Laura looked at him. "Yeah I am." She wrapped her arms around him. Riker tighten his arms around her. This was the moment that they feared or anticipated. Ross's reaction could be either way. But no matter what they have each other and that is all that matters.

"Well let's go shall we?" Riker said. Laura nodded. They made their way to the door when they heard a shout.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN RIKER AND LAURA ARE TOGETHER! "