AN: Hopefully everyone is enjoying reading. Also an early Happy Canada Day

Chapter 21

Duncan's POV

Sunday

2:30 PM

" Okay we're here " I announced as I pull up to my parent's house " I hope your parents were okay with Serenity," says Courtney who sounds very chill and relaxed I'm guessing our honeymoon was exactly what she needed.

Friday came quickly we dropped off Serenity with my parents then as planned we left for our getaway. And boy was it fun for us, my parents covered our flight and the honeymoon suite at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Vancouver was awesome.

When we got to our room it was set with rose petals scattered on the floor and the bed. A bottle of chilled champagne waiting for us, which of course we enjoyed along with some heated activities.

Then we walked around the city, checking the sites, eating good local food and even catching a live rock band at a bar was fun for us. And we even had a couples massage at the hotel's spa which I had to admit was amazing.

After all that, I felt more relaxed and re-energized to get back to daily life.

" Don't worry babe you know they always enjoy having her over " I reply as we get out of the car " I know I'm just so happy she's with people that love her " answers Courtney smiling.

Taking her hand we walked up to the door and knocked which didn't take long to open.

" Welcome home " greeted Mom hugging us together "Hi Mom" I replied during the hug " Hi Melinda I hope everything is okay," says Courtney smiling hugging Mom back.

" Everything was just fine I see you two enjoyed your honeymoon " teased Mom making my face turn red " Oh come on Mom," I said embarrassed but only makes Courtney giggle " It was very nice and enjoyable again I can't thank you and James for a generous wedding gift " explains Courtney.

" Your very welcome Courtney and I haven't had a chance to say this but welcome to our family," says Mom "Thank you " breathed Courtney hugging her once again " And you Duncan thank goodness you met and married this gorgeous woman " adds mom now making my eyes roll.

" Okay yes I'm married and all good now " I sighed looking around trying to see Serenity and Dad " It's a bit quiet today," I said "Well Lincoln and Lynn are preparing for the new baby 2 months to go then John and Jamie away on vacation " explains mom as we follow her to the kitchen.

That explains a bit "Will you be staying for dinner? " she asks us "We'd love to but not this time honestly after what we just went through we kinda want some us time Mom" I explained rubbing my head " I hope your not offended Melinda? " Courtney asks nervously.

Mom just smiles at us with an expression of understanding "Don't worry you two...it's completely understandable going through what they put you through just was selfish of them " she explains sounding upset.

I rarely ever saw mom like this and I think the last time I saw that expression was when a neighbour brought me home for breaking a window with a slingshot.

" They wanted to take your daughter away, my grandchild but I'm so proud that you both fought and prevailed together...you both are quite the couple " she finishes making us smile at her.

" Thank you Mom I'm glad you, Dad and everyone was there for us " I sigh feeling a bit emotional " I'm gonna go find Serenity and Dad " I add before leaving the kitchen.

" They're probably in the office Duncan " calls Mom as I opened the kitchen door...

Courtney's POV

Seeing Duncan leave the room I suddenly realize I'm alone with my mother-in-law, oh no I've never been alone with her before!!!

Hearing her exhale heavily I come out of my thoughts and turn to see her opening the fridge then taking out a pitcher.

" Come let's have a seat, " she says gesturing toward the breakfast table " I got some cookies too " Melinda adds making me smile and nod.

Before joining her I grab glasses and bring them to the tables, while pouring us drinks I rest my hands on my lap and get tense.

Suddenly I hear light giggling knowing it's Melinda "You can relax Courtney I won't bite " she laughs placing a glass of lemonade in front of me "Was I that obvious? " I asked as she sat beside me.

Nodding while taking a sip I then started laughing only to feel a bit embarrassed " I'm sorry it's just... it's just we've never been alone before and now you're my mother-in-law " I clarify trying to be calm.

" You remind me of when James met my parents, " says Melinda reaching for a cookie " he was as nervous as me, around your parents too? " I asked also grabbing a cookie "Oh he was more nervous than you...we met in our 2nd year of college and well let's just say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, " she says winking.

It took a moment but I understood what she meant "No, no way...Mr.Stone was a bad boy? " I gasped only to smile more.

"Surprisingly yes...there was never a dull moment on our college campus with him and his frat brothers oh my goodness " explains Melinda smiling like she was falling in love all over again, " he was so annoying, and his reputation was well known all over school " she adds...

I think it's sweet that she recalls the memories...

Picking up my glass I take a sip of the cold lemonade " So he had quite the rep on Campus...how did you both end up meeting? " I asked resting my head on the palm of my hand.

" Myself and friends went to this bar off campus one night " starts Melinda "Well now very classic meeting spot " I teased now making her blush " I would only go on weekends...we had all just finished fall finals and having fun, enjoying our downtime and guess who runs into the bar cheering loudly " she explains shaking her head.

" I'm gonna take a wild guess that some mischief was done " I answered picturing the scene " turns out they had just messed up the locker room of a rival fraternity house and they bolted before they got caught " laughs Melinda along with myself.

I can't believe Melinda is sharing this with me.

" That night he was trying to get my attention in any way he could walking by, purposely bumping into our table and even calling my name "...

This was sounding exactly like what Duncan would do at camp, he literally would annoy and tease me every day and of course, call me princess...

" So what happened next? " I said eager to know.

Melinda's cheeks started turning red meaning something happened " I confronted him with two beers and told him..."

" If you wanna get my attention then this is how you do it "

" Melinda I am impressed by you...why didn't I think of that, " I said smiling

" Even he was surprised that we ended up talking for the rest of the night, we dated for a year and he asked me to marry him shortly after," she says smiling.

" Wow you both married young " I exclaimed raising my eyebrows " Yes and here we are today 28 years later " replies Melinda nodding "And even though there were hard times we're still happy to this day " she adds.

I understood what Melinda was saying and I think she saw a bit of her and James in me and Duncan. We're young and newly married, and we've had many challenges and obstacles. Lastly, she sees that we'll work together to get through everything.

"You're a wonderful woman Courtney and an incredible mother who's worked to get herself where she is today while caring for her child at the same time, " says Melinda placing her hand over mine "Thank you " I breathed before she hugs me...

Why couldn't my mom be more like Melinda?

Normal POV

5:00 PM

After spending the afternoon with Duncan's parents along with giving them gifts Courtney and Duncan got for them during their honeymoon. Melinda was given a perfume gift set from a store in the hotel and James got a bottle of aged whiskey, along with Duncan getting one for himself.

When they got home the newly married pair sighed in relief and sat together on the couch while Serenity watched her favourite movie.

" I'm so glad we're home " breathed Duncan resting his head on top of his wife's head " It's such a good feeling," says Courtney tightening her arms around Duncan's waist " but more importantly we're all here together " she adds looking up smiling.

Caressing her cheek Duncan brings Courtney closer to his " Yes we are and we're happy " answered Duncan pressing his lips onto Courtney's.

" Ew " exclaims Serenity making them part " Hey Mommy and I were having a moment," said Duncan as they sit upright on the couch "You kiss a lot, " said Serenity walking up to them.

" Well it's because I love mommy very much " Duncan replied smiling at Courtney before she brings Serenity up onto the couch " Does it make you happy? " Serenity asks sitting between her parents "Yes it does but also it makes mommy too " explains Duncan winking at Courtney.

" I do enjoy daddy kissing me it's a form of affection " explains Courtney looking at her daughter "Oh like how Louis kissed me? " says Serenity but this time Duncan got upset "Okay let's not recall that, " he says quickly not wanting to recall the memory.

Courtney couldn't help but laugh at Duncan "Daddy looks like the beast " giggles Serenity looking at his current expression " Yeah he kinda does " laughed Courtney unable to hold her laugh.

" Beast...I'll show you both a beast," says Duncan standing up "Oh no it's the beast," says Courtney getting up quickly "Aaah daddy is the beast " squealed Serenity running away along with Courtney, " RAWR !! " growled Duncan chasing the two around all of them having fun.

For the remainder of the family's evening, they spent the time together making memories.

AN: I know this is a short chapter, but the next chapter will be long. I look forward to seeing what you think.