Chapter 22 part 2
Hello lovelies! As always, thanks SO much for your lovely comments. Always a treat! Someone guessed correctly this chapter is with Starla! Yay! Hope you enjoy some Mama V and Mama Starla time and more Thanksgiving fun! :)
Vanessa awoke to the soft sounds of whispers in the doorway.
"They're so cute. Let them rest!"
"I know. But we have to go to Mom's."
"Then you wake him up, he's your brother!"
As the family debated how to wake up the couple, Courtney, snuck a quick picture of Vanessa and Zac, nestled together under the blankets.
"I'll wake them up," Olivia suddenly announced, her young voice carrying through the room and causing everyone to shush her.
"We're up," Vanessa murmured, her voice laced with the remnants of sleep as she ran her fingers through Zac's hair, gently waking him. He roused, blinking at the gathering in the doorway, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he registered the scene.
"Come on, let's go," Vanessa said with a playful smile. She then noticed the streaks of colorful makeup on her face, courtesy of Olivia's earlier handiwork. "I'm going to wash this off," she laughed, giving Olivia a teasing look, "and then we can head out."
As they prepared to leave, Lisa and David enveloped Vanessa in warm hugs. "Don't be a stranger," David said. "You're welcome back anytime."
"Thank you guys so much," Vanessa replied, feeling genuinely touched by their warmth and kindness.
With heartfelt goodbyes, Vanessa, Zac, Dylan, and Courtney piled into the car and made their way to Starla's house. The drive was filled with laughter and lighthearted teasing and shared stories, the kind that only families could tell.
As they pulled up to Starla's place, they saw her sitting on the porch with a steaming mug of tea in hand. "My babies!" she exclaimed, rising to greet them with open arms. She hugged and kissed everyone in turn, her warmth and joy infectious.
Starla pulled Vanessa aside, wrapping her in a gentle embrace. "Hello, my sweet girl," she said, pressing a kiss to Vanessa's cheek.
"Hi Starla! It's so good to see you," Vanessa replied, her voice full of warmth and affection.
"You too, sweetheart," Starla said, beaming at her. "I'm so happy you're here," she added, giving Vanessa another squeeze before they all headed inside.
As they walked in, Vanessa noticed that Starla had already begun decorating for Christmas. The tree stood tall in the corner of the living room, adorned with twinkling lights and an assortment of ornaments.
"Mama, you got all the Christmas decorations up already. So cute," Zac said, admiring the tree and its ornaments.
"Yes! I had some time and thought it would be fun for you guys to go through your ornaments together. Show the girls," Starla said, referring to a box of homemade ornaments stored away for years.
"Awww, these are precious!" Vanessa exclaimed, holding up one of the ornaments. "How old were you guys here?" she asked, showing off an ornament with a picture of Zac and Dylan hugging one another as children.
"Oh man, I must've been like 3!" Dylan said, examining the ornament closer, a grin spreading across his face.
Zac laughed, shaking his head as he continued rummaging through the box. "OMG, dude. Your butt's out in this one," Dylan laughed as he held up a baby photo of Zac in the bathtub, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Give me that," Zac said, reaching forward to take the ornament. "Awww," Vanessa cooed as she looked closer, her heart swelling with affection as Zac blushed.
"That's one of my favorites," Starla chimed in, her eyes twinkling with fond memories. "But he never lets me put it up," she sighed.
"Because I don't have any clothes on!" Zac protested, though his tone was more playful than serious.
"But you were a baaaaby," Vanessa teased, giving him a gentle nudge.
"Okay, I'm sure there's something embarrassing with Dylan. Keep looking," Zac said, eager to divert the attention from himself. He plucked his ornament out of their hands and placed it back in the box.
"Oh! I found it," Courtney exclaimed, unable to hide her laughter. She held up a picture of baby Dylan covered in spaghetti and sauce from head to toe, grinning from ear to ear in nothing but his diaper.
"Not that one!" yelped Dylan, his face turning beet red as he pried the ornament out of her hands.
Starla looked at her boys fondly, her heart full as Zac gave her a hug and kissed her cheek. "Love you, Mama," he said, his voice full of sincerity.
"I love you more, baby." Starla squeezed him back, her love for her sons evident in every word and gesture.
"Oh! I almost forgot," Starla said, suddenly remembering something. She walked over to a nearby shelf and retrieved a small, glimmering statue. "Where should we keep this?" she asked, holding up Zac's Oscar statue proudly.
Zac blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh man, haha. In the back somewhere?"
"Oh my goodness! This has to be front and center, baby," Vanessa said, taking the statue from Starla's hands, her eyes shining with pride.
"Damn, I actually haven't seen it up close before," Dylan said as he moved closer to examine it. "Court, take a look!"
Blushing even deeper, Zac tried to divert their attention once more. "Okay, who wants dessert?"
This seemed to do the trick as Starla clapped her hands enthusiastically
In the meantime, Vanessa made sure to place the Oscar affectionately on a table next to the tree, where it caught the light just right. Everyone nodded in approval before Vanessa headed into the kitchen to retrieve some freshly baked apple and pumpkin pie.
They gathered around the dining table, the warmth of the fire from the hearth filling the room. "More?" Starla asked, her hand poised over one of the slices.
"No, thank you, Starla. I think I'll officially explode," Vanessa said, rubbing her stomach with a contented sigh.
"Is it time?" Dylan asked, raising his eyebrows at his brother with a conspiratorial grin.
"Oh damn. Do you think we still have the stuff in the closet?" Zac replied, his tone full of anticipation.
"What are you guys up to?" Courtney asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Nothing," they both said simultaneously, their voices dripping with feigned innocence.
"These two," Starla said, shaking her head knowingly. "You'll find out soon enough. Come on, let's get ready. We'll all go for a walk on the beach."
The girls helped clean up while the boys disappeared off to their secret mission. Starla led Vanessa up to the room where she and Zac would be staying. "Oh, before we head out, do you guys want to put your stuff in your rooms? Vanessa, honey, I set you up in the room upstairs, and Zac, you're downstairs."
The look of confusion on Zac's face was comical. "Mama, you let us stay together when we were 19. What's with the separate rooms now?"
"I'm just kidding. You're both upstairs. I just wanted to see the look on your face," Starla said, bursting into laughter.
"Which was priceless," Dylan added, doubling over in laughter.
Vanessa blushed as she grabbed their bags and headed for the room upstairs, Zac trailing behind her with a playful smirk. "Ha. Ha." Zac said dryly.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, Starla and Vanessa walked down to the beach. A bonfire crackled nearby, casting a warm glow over the sand. Starla, holding Vanessa's hand, led her to a spot by the fire.
"I hear you have a baby boy!" Starla said, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Vanessa.
"I do," Vanessa replied, a soft smile spreading across her face.
"There's nothing like it, eh?" Starla added, referring to the profound experience of motherhood.
Vanessa nodded, her expression softening.
"Yeah, they don't call it a miracle for nothing. It changes you forever," Starla reaffirms.
Vanessa's gaze dropped to the fire as she continued. "I didn't know my heart could double in size like that."
Starla's eyes grew misty as she nodded in agreement. "And how's co-parenting?" she asked gently, her voice full of understanding. "You don't have to answer, I just— for us, it was very different. The boys were grown up, and so it wasn't like we had to run things by one another daily, but I mean, I can't imagine what it would be like with a younger child. I have so much respect for you." She paused, her voice catching slightly as she added, "You know, I can still picture their faces when we sat them down and told them we were splitting up. In that moment they didn't look like grown men; they looked like 4-5-year-old boys again. They were strong, but something like that it affects you... regardless of your age," she sniffed as Vanessa reached out and held her hand.
"Thank you for sharing, Starla. I'm sorry it was tough," Vanessa said, her voice full of compassion. "Yeah, I mean, divorce was not easy—as you well know, but co-parenting… it's going well. I think we're both mature enough to realize our relationship should never affect Kai, and the love that we have for him is so strong it supersedes anything."
Starla squeezed Vanessa's hand. "Well, I just know for a fact that you're raising a wonderful son… He's lucky to have you as his mama."
"Aww, thank you. That means so much coming from you," Vanessa said, her voice full of gratitude. "Yeah, he's incredible. I miss him every second I'm not with him. I definitely have to stop myself from checking in every hour when I'm away from him, but it doesn't stop me from going through videos and pictures whenever I have a chance!"
Vanessa pulled out her phone, showing Starla a few pictures of Kai. Starla's eyes softened even more as she looked at the photos. "I'd love to meet Kai one day… if you think that's alright." She glanced over at Zac and Dylan, who were setting up the fireworks. "I don't know when those two oafs are ever going to give me grandkids, but I'd love to see a baby from the next generation. I want to fuss over something small again!"
Vanessa laughed. "Haha. Aww, absolutely. I'd love that too. We'll definitely have to plan something."
Starla looked at Vanessa with a motherly warmth. "And how's my baby boy doing? I worry about him so much, but I've been worrying a bit less with you by his side."
"He's doing well," Vanessa replied, her voice full of love. "I know things are different. I know he's been through so much, but then again, so have I, and so I think we're able to lead with a different type of compassion and maturity for each other and hold space for our emotional needs. Which is so important. But his heart… it's just like I remember it—only better. If that's even possible," she added, blushing slightly.
Starla's eyes glistened with tears as she reached out to cup Vanessa's face. "Aww, honey, I love to hear that. Look, I may be biased because I've always loved you, but I swear I've never seen him happier with anyone but with you. And I know that you two bring out the best in each other. From day one, there was a magnetic force drawing him to you. And even though life takes its course and can take you down all sorts of paths, we always end up on the road we're supposed to be on, with the people we're supposed to be with. And I'm so glad your journeys have led you back here to each other."
Vanessa smiled, her throat tightening with emotion as she listened to Starla's words. It was as if the older woman had spoken the very thoughts Vanessa had been grappling with for so long. Unable to speak, Vanessa simply squeezed Starla's hand in silent gratitude.
Starla continued, her voice gentle but firm. "No, I mean it. No matter what he's been through, his heart never changed but his spirit has suffered. And now after all this time, I feel like he's alive again. The opportunity for a second chance at love is rare in this life, but you two have led one-in-a-million lives—so I don't think it's that hard to fathom how fate has brought you back together. This second chance is a gift. Hold on to it. And while none of us knows what the future holds, I hope you both have a long and beautiful one ahead of you. Together."
"Thank you, Starla," Vanessa finally managed to say, her voice thick with emotion. "That means a lot to me. Truly."
Starla smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she added, "And I don't mean to be pushy, but if you both want to give me grandkids, the clock's ticking. I'm not getting any younger."
Vanessa gasped in surprise, her laughter bubbling up as she reacted to Starla's blunt statement. She couldn't help but feel a little flustered by the older woman's honesty, but she appreciated it all the same.
Just then, Zac approached them, his ears pricking up as he caught the tail end of the conversation. "Mama, stop traumatizing my girlfriend," he said, pulling Vanessa to his side and giving her a kiss on the forehead.
"Hey, I'm just saying," Starla said, holding her hands up in mock defense.
"Come on. Up you get. It's showtime," Zac whispered into Vanessa's ear, his voice full of excitement.
"Showtime?" Vanessa echoed, her curiosity piqued as Zac led her away from the fire.
"Yup. Gotta get you the best seat in the house," Zac said, his eyes sparkling as he wrapped a blanket around Vanessa's shoulders. He led her to a secluded spot on the beach, away from the others, where they could fully take in the view of the night sky.
As they settled in, Zac gently pulled the blanket over both of them, ensuring she was snug and warm. He then wrapped his arm around her, letting his hand rest on her stomach. His fingers traced slow, gentle circles over her skin, the touch both comforting and intimate. Vanessa leaned into him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest as they watched the horizon together.
With the blanket cocooning them in warmth and Zac's hand softly rubbing her stomach, Vanessa felt completely at peace. The waves lapped quietly against the shore, adding to the serene atmosphere that surrounded them.
After a moment, Zac caught Dylan's eye in the distance and gave him a subtle nod, signaling that it was time. Vanessa watched as Dylan, with a grin on his face, darted off to start the show.
The night sky suddenly burst into life, a vibrant explosion of colors and lights as the first firework shot up and exploded overhead.
Vanessa gasped, her eyes wide with wonder as the sky continued to light up with each successive firework. The crackle and boom of the display resonated in her chest, blending with the rhythmic motion of Zac's hand still lovingly caressing her stomach.
Zac turned to Vanessa, his face illuminated by the glow of the fireworks. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips as the sky above them filled with dazzling bursts of color. The world around them faded away, leaving just the two of them wrapped in each other's warmth, sharing a moment that felt infinite.
As the final firework burst into the sky, leaving a trail of shimmering stars in its wake, Zac whispered in Vanessa's ear, "I love you."
Vanessa smiled, her heart swelling with happiness as she whispered back, "I love you too."
As the night deepened, the warmth of the Thanksgiving celebration gave way to the quiet comfort of sleep. The house gradually settled into a peaceful stillness as everyone retreated to their rooms, ready for a deep, post-holiday slumber. Zac and Vanessa lay nestled together under the soft blanket, their bodies perfectly in sync as they breathed in tandem. The rhythmic rise and fall of their chests was the only sound in the tranquil space, creating a cocoon of intimacy and calm.
Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by a low, rumbling growl from Vanessa's stomach. She shifted slightly, trying to ignore it, but the sound only seemed to grow louder in the quiet room.
"Baby, you okay?" Zac mumbled sleepily, putting one arm across her waist and pulling her closer to his side.
Vanessa suppressed a laugh. "Yeah… don't worry. Go back to sleep."
But her stomach had other plans, growling again with an urgency that made her groan. "Ugh, you're joking," she muttered, half in disbelief.
Zac chuckled, propping himself up on one elbow to look at her with a playful grin. "Doesn't sound like it's joking. Sounds pretty angry to me."
"But why? I ate so much food!" Vanessa protested, her voice tinged with amusement and confusion.
"I don't know, babe," Zac said with a smirk. "But if your stomach's talking, I guess we better do something about it."
Vanessa nodded, resigning herself to the late-night hunger pangs. She pushed back the covers and climbed out of bed, with Zac quickly following suit. Navigating the darkness of the room, they moved with a mix of laughter and careful steps, their attempts at stealth undercut by their playful mood. They tiptoed out of the room, but their attempts at being quiet were thwarted as they bumped into the doorframe, muffled giggles escaping despite their best efforts.
As they crept down the stairs, the old wooden steps creaked beneath their feet, making their supposed stealth mission even more challenging. Vanessa grabbed Zac's hand, trying to steady herself as she stumbled slightly in the dim light filtering through the window from the moon outside.
"I swear, I've never heard louder stairs in my life," Vanessa whispered, her voice barely containing her giggles.
Zac laughed softly, squeezing her hand. "Yeah. We're about as subtle as a marching band."
When they finally reached the bottom of the stairs, they made their way toward the kitchen.
The room was bathed in a faint glow from the streetlights outside, just enough to see the faint outlines of the kitchen appliances. Vanessa headed straight for the refrigerator, her eyes lighting up as she opened it and spotted the leftover pies inside.
"Oh, there's still some pie!" she exclaimed, her excitement evident as she pulled out the remaining slices.
"Score!" Zac whispered enthusiastically, doing his best to keep his voice down but unable to hide his glee.
As Vanessa set the pie on the counter, a loud clatter echoed from the hallway. Startled, they both turned to see Dylan and Courtney, who had also ventured downstairs. Dylan was holding a bag of chips, and Courtney had a glass of milk in hand, their expressions a mix of surprise and amusement at the unexpected encounter.
"What are you two doing?" Dylan asked, barely containing a chuckle as he took in the scene.
Vanessa and Zac exchanged sheepish grins.
"We were just... hungry," Vanessa admitted, trying not to burst into laughter. "I don't know why! I've eaten so much!"
"It's holiday stomach," declared Dylan confidently.
"What?" asked Vanessa.
"Holiday stomach. Once your stomach knows how much you can eat, it's always hungry. You have to feed the beast."
Courtney couldn't hold back her giggles. "Well, I guess we all had the same idea."
The four of them laughed together, the sound filling the kitchen and breaking the silence of the night. Vanessa, still holding the pie, offered it up with a grin. "Since we're all up, why don't we share?"
Everyone agreed enthusiastically, and soon they were all gathered around the kitchen table, plates of pie in front of them as they shared stories and laughter. What started as a quiet, late-night adventure had turned into a spontaneous, joyful gathering.
Zac took a bite of his slice, smiling contentedly at Vanessa. "Best late-night snack ever."
Vanessa nodded, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Agreed. I think we might have just started a new tradition."
After they finished their impromptu feast and cleaned up the kitchen, they all quietly retreated to their rooms, thankful they hadn't woken Starla with their midnight escapade. But as Vanessa and Zac climbed back into bed, the excitement of the night had left Vanessa wide awake, her mind racing.
She lay flat on her back, staring up at the ceiling with her hands resting on her stomach. "Hey… so I was thinking," she began, her voice soft but filled with anticipation.
"Yeah?" Zac replied, settling back into bed and turning toward her, his curiosity piqued.
"I want you to meet Kai. Officially," Vanessa said, turning her head to meet his gaze.
"Yeah?" Zac's voice brightened with excitement, and she could hear the grin widening on his face even in the dark. He propped himself up on his elbow, his attention fully on her.
"Yeah. When we get back, I'll pick him up, get him settled at home, and then you can come over," Vanessa continued, interlacing her fingers with his and bringing his hand to her lips for a gentle kiss.
"Really? That sounds perfect, baby. You sure you're ready? You already had a big family meeting this morning. We don't have to rush anything. It's all on your timeline," Zac reassured her, his tone tender and considerate.
"I'm ready. I want the two most important boys in my life to meet," Vanessa said, her voice filled with quiet determination.
"I can't wait," Zac whispered as he enveloped her in his arms, pulling her close once more.
The warmth of his embrace and the promise of what lay ahead filled her with a deep sense of peace as they settled back into bed, ready to face whatever the future held together.