Anniversary Dinner...

Tonight we find ourselves at Luke and Laura's house. Shaun and Amari have just arrived with little baby Leila for their evening celebratory dinner. Phoenix and Phineas play in the living while the adults chat. Now that Fin is older the boys are beginning to enjoy playtime together
 but mom is always ready to step in and referee...

Phoenix makes loud crashing sounds as the boys play, clanging the toys together in a battle royale. Back by the stairs Luke hugs and greets Shaun. They have been in touch over the months Shaun was off touring but not a whole lot as they have both been living very busy lives.

*Luke* "Hey man, I'm glad you two made it...good to see you."

*Shaun* "Well I'm glad to be here..."
*Luke* "I think Laura is just pulling out the ham..."
*Shaun* "Yeah it smells delicious."

In the kitchen Laura is just about to pull dinner out of the oven. Amari comes strolling in with Leila, her arms criss crossed across 
the infant so they can both see where Amari is leading them.

Laura is pulling the large dinner dish out as Amari and Leila come up on her. Laura kicks up her foot so the oven door can shut behind her as she turns and sets the dish on the kitchen island. Amari stands there impressed at her cousin's ninja kitchen skills.

*Amari* "Now I know why Luke loves you so much, damn

 girl it smells good in here!"

Laura is so happy to see Amari that she doesn't fully acknowledge her remark about Luke and her cooking. Amari and her keep in touch as well but of course she is now miles away in Houston

 so they cannot visit as often.

*Laura* "Hey, mama!!!...Smells good huh?"

*Amari* "This place is like thanksgiving! You really

 didn't have to do all this."

*Laura* "Girl...this is nothing it's fine...Plus we have several reasons to

 celebrate tonight. I'm glad y'all are here..."

*Amari* "Are you pregnant?!..."

*Laura* "No...no...I mean. You and Shaun working things out."

*Amari* "Yeah but we could have just had take out or dined in some fancy place..."

*Laura* "Nonsense! You know how much I love to cook for my family, and you, 

Shaun, and Leila are family..."

*Amari* "I know but I feel so bad, not bringing anything..."

*Amari* "Seeing you guys is my gift...I miss y'all!"

Laura pulls back the foil on the dish revealing a juicy baked 

ham, the smell of it quickly fills the air between them... 

*Amari* "Mmmhmmm that smells soooo good!..."

*Laura* "I need to slice it but before I do that. I want to 

see that little one you got there...."

Laura puts down her pot holders and walks around the 

island to meet Amari who is holding out Leila. 

Laura reaches out as well.

*Amari* "She might fuss...She's at that age now."

*Laura* "I know, it's okay...

Laura pulls Leila into her hip and smiles. Leila stares very 

seriously as she takes in Laura, and determines whether or not

 she can trust who is holding her.

*Laura* "Hey miss Leila...you are so beautiful!...Wow she looks a lot like both of you."

*Amari* "That's what everyone says but I think she looks more like Shaun."

Meanwhile in the living room, the guys are all hanging out. Shaun is taken aback when he realizes that little Fin has grown so much. He slides the sunglasses up off his face.

*Shaun* "Shit! Is that little Fin?!..."

*Luke* "Yeah, man he'll be 2 in February. Hard to believe...Seems like it was

 just yesterday he turned a year old..." 

The mention of Fin's birthday and the tone in Luke's voice reminds Shaun of what happened that day.

*Shaun* "Shit...hey man, I'm sorry. I know you don't like to think about that shit show."

*Luke* "No it's fine..I'm over that said shit show...Tonight we

 have real family celebrate with us."

Shaun can see it still pains him some but he has moved 

on it's been almost a year now since all 

that drama took place. So Shaun goes with it and moves the conversation away from that..

*Shaun* "Well I'm glad to be here...You know you lucked out with 

that one....So how many years now?..."

*Luke* "Well 4 since we've been married..."

Luke turns to look back into the kitchen...He sees Laura there 

beaming while she's holding little Leila, his beautiful wife and mother to their two boys... Then he continues the rest of his sentence.

*Luke continues* "But 8 if you count since we've been living together...

Let's go see if the food is ready."

*Shaun* "Sounds good to me...The smell has already got my mouth watering."

All along the two brothers continue to play 

with no needed refereeing.

Phoenix continues to try and conquer Fin and the 

popper with his bus load of angry dinos.

Meanwhile back in the kitchen Laura is relishing in holding 

this sweet little girl, while her and Amari chat.

*Laura* "That's a lot to get used to I know...I can't imagine having to 

worry about that all the time. You look amazing tonight..."

*Amari* "Thanks, gotta keep my A game up cuz you never 

know whose snapping pics..."

The guys step into the dining area and Luke interrupts

 calling out to Laura. These fellas are hungry...

*Luke* "Hey, babe...is the food ready?..."
*Shaun* "Damn that looks good. I'm ready to eat!..."

The ladies stop and turn to look at the guys. 
Laura replies back.

 *Laura* "Yes. I just need to slice the ham but we
can go ahead and all sit..."
Laura steps in closer...

*Laura* "Baby, did you see how big she is now?..."
*Luke* "I know, I saw her when they showed up, babe..."

 Laura snuggles in close with Leila, relishing in her cuteness.
 Little girls are so different from boys, and remember
 Laura still dreams of that sweet little girl to hold.

*Laura* "Fin is almost 2 now don't you think maybe it's time we--"
*Luke nervously chuckles* "Yeah...uh...I don't know, babe..that's uh"
*Shaun* "Wait, you two want to have another baby?!.."

 *Laura* "I'm still waiting for that little girl."
*Shaun* "You two are crazy..."
*Luke smiling* "I know...Don't worry babe."
Luke smiles at Laura, he knows how badly she has wanted a daughter since she was first pregnant with Phoenix. A little 
girl to share all the girly things with, someday...maybe. 
They all gather to take their seats at the table while Laura gets the ham ready. They all sit quietly while they enjoy their
 first few bites into the meal.

 *Shaun* "Mmmhmmm! Damn this good. Been awhile since I had a
home cooked meal like this...Thanks for doing this..."
*Laura* "I'm glad y'all could come and celebrate...it's nice to have
 a quiet dinner like this."
*Amari* "Lala is enjoying that mac and cheese...Is it yummy, angel?"

*Shaun* "Same here, the stuff just melts in your
 mouth...how are you not fat, man?"
*Luke laughs* "Good metabolism I guess..."

Shaun knows he also has a good, strong work ethic and stays very busy. Across the table Phoenix reaches out to try and snag some
 more of that magical mac and cheese for himself.

 *Phoenix* "Mama, I get more mac-roni...."
*Laura* "No...you haven't even touched your salad or your ham. Eat some of those
then you can have a little more macaroni...Okay?"
*Phoenix* "Okay...I eat my ham..."
*Laura* "And your salad..."

*Shaun* "So if you two want a girl so badly why don't you
 do in vitro or something like that?..."
*Luke a little taken of guard* "What?!..."
*Shaun* "Yeah...you know...in vitro."
Phoenix attempts to get mom's attention show
 her he's eating his ham.

*Phoenix* "Mama, wook! I eat my ham..."
*Laura* "Good job, pumpkin...now take some bites
 of your salad too."
Meanwhile across the table Luke and 
Shaun are still conversing.

 *Luke* "Yeah, I know what it is..."
*Shaun* "So do that..."
*Luke* "Hell no...half the fun goes into fucking..."

 *Laura blurts out his name* "Luke!!!..."
*Luke apologetically* "I'm sorry, babe....it slipped out...."
*Shaun* "It's my fault I got him worked up."
*Laura shakes her head* "Fin is sitting right on your lap."
Shaun diverts his attention to Amari and Leila 
while Laura talks to Luke.

 *Shaun* "She eating..."
*Amari* "Oh yes...I think she is enjoying it very much."
Luke does his best to apologize. Even after all
 these years he still struggles with trying 
not to cuss around the boys.

*Luke* "I'm sorry, babe...I don't think he even heard me..."

*Laura* "I heard you clear across the table."
Laura lets it go and goes back to eating her dinner. Amari 
stops feeding Leila and looks up at Shaun.

 *Amari* "You know now that you're home spending more time with Leila, you
 gotta be careful too. We don't want her first words being a series of cursing..."
*Shaun* "No, you're right...I need to be careful. Especially after spending about 10 months on tour hearing everyone talk like salty sailors. It's a hard habit to break..."

*Shaun looking at Leila* "Can you say Da da?!..."
*Leila smiles* "Da...da!..."
Everyone smiles and oo's and aa's at the sweet sound of Leila's voice.
*Laura* "So Shaun...since this is home for the next 4 months
 is Amari moving in again?"
Laura sets her fork down and picks up her glass of iced tea, 
she can see she just shocked the both of them, 
but she cannot help but be curious...

*Amari* "You know we're not together anymore..."

*Laura* "I know, but Shaun is only home for 4 short months..."

*Amari* "We have plans for me and Leila to visit a week each month."

*Laura* "But 4 months will be gone and over so fast...Especially 

with the holidays coming up."

 *Shaun* "I dunno, Mari...maybe we should rethink our plans..."
*Amari* "Shaun, your place is too small for the 3 of us...Where would I sleep?"
*Shaun* "In the bedroom with Leila. I can sleep in the living room."
*Amari* "I can't impose on you like that..."

*Laura smiles and rattles on* "I think that's an excellent idea...and we can have fun play dates. The pumpkin patch is opening up next weekend we plan to take the boys, y'all should come!..."
Luke knows his wife wants Shaun and Amari to get
 back together but that's not up to her. He also knows Shaun told him that even though he cares for Amari they just 
don't see themselves ever working it out.

 *Luke* "Babe...we talked about this you said you we're not gonna play
 match maker. Don't make this awkward for them..."
*Shaun* "It's okay, man...Mari and I know where we stand now."
*Amari* "Right...We can still do all those things, Laura. I would
 love to go to the pumpkin patch."

*Laura* "I'm sorry I am not trying to push you two back together...I just thought that maybe y'all would do that so Shaun would have plenty of time with Leila....that's all."

*Amari* "It's okay...I know it took us time to get used to this arrangement too, but
honestly I think we're both happy staying friends and caring for Leila...Shaun?"

*Shaun* "Yeah...uh no I agree...but just so you know you would not be
imposing on me if you wanted to stay with Leila...."
*Amari* "That's fine but I think you should think about it. We'd be around 24/7...
*Shaun* "Yeah I know..."
*Amari* "I mean what about time to yourself?..."
Amari tries to insinuate without being overly 
forthcoming with what she means.

*Shaun* "Oh!...oh...I don't care about that, Mari. I'm here
 cause I want to spend time with Leila...not pick up chicks."
*Amari* "Okay...I'm not saying it like it's a bad thing. I just want you to understand I
respect your space and privacy...I'm fine with the situation we have right now."
Meanwhile Luke and Laura carry on a conversation of their own but not with words. These two look at each other from across the table, 
their body language speaking to each other.

Laura smiles and sips her tea, looking at Luke through batted eyelashes. She knew what she was doing. Luke shakes his head and smiles at her as he takes a bite of his food. Knowing full well his wife still hopes these two get back together one day. He gets it, 
but it's not up for them to decide.

 *Laura* "So what are y'alls plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas?"
*Amari* "I dunno...We haven't talked about it..."
*Shaun* "Well...I would like to see my mom..."
Amari knows he hasn't spent Christmas with his family
 in a few years...But she kinda wants Leila's first
 Christmas to be with her family...Major decisions to make!

 *Amari* "And what about Leila?..."
*Shaun* "You can come with me...We'll fly out for the week."
Leila kicks in the high chair as she waits for mom to
 scoop another bite of food into her mouth.

*Laura* "That would be nice...Christmas in California..."
*Shaun* "Yeah it is the weather is always nice there."
Amari continues to scoop tiny bites of mashed macaroni 
to Leila. She is enjoying it very much.

*Laura* "Well whatever y'all decide you're welcome here too for
 the holidays. I'm hosting both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year..."
*Amari* "What about Michelle? Is she ever gonna host a holiday?"
*Laura* "Her and Ben are busy with work and their new house
that's being built. I'm sure once that's done she'll want to host..."

*Shaun* "We definitely need to figure it out, but like I said, be nice
 to spend the holiday in Cali...My mom would be thrilled."
Phineas begins to wiggle he wants down, he has had 
enough food and is ready to go play some more.

*Laura* "Did he eat most of his food?..."

*Luke* "Yeah...babe...he's had enough."

Phoenix too is ready to go play if little brother can too.

*Phoenix* "Mamma, can I go pay too?..."
*Laura* "Did you eat two bites of your salad?..."
*Phoenix* "Uh...huh..."
*Laura* "Okay, go play..."
The adults finish eating their dinner then Laura and Amari clean up while the guys sit and watch the kids. Laura and
 Amari are almost done in the kitchen...

*Laura* "Thank you for helping out in the kitchen. Now
I don't have to worry about it."
*Amari* "I know, that was my goal...My gift to you."
*Laura* "Gift?..."

 *Amari* "Yeah, that way you and Luke have more time alone
later...I saw the way you were looking at him..."
*Laura laughs* "Ah...okay...What look do I give him?"
*Amari* "You know that look of love and desire."
Laura feels bad, she knows Amari was hoping
 for that with Shaun.

 

*Laura* "Awe...Mari...You know we will--"
*Amari* "It's okay...I'm happy. Choosing to have Leila has been the best thing
 ever...I know I'll find someone new for now I got a toy to kept me happy..."
*Laura* "A toy?...you mean like a..."

 *Laura lowers her voice* "Like a dildo?..."
*Amari laughs* "Yes! Exactly a dildo and believe me it's wonderful!"
*Laura* "You know I just want you to be happy, right?"

 *Amari smiles* "I know and I wouldn't lie to you. I'm serious. I'm in a good place right now.
Staying busy with Leila, finishing school, and working things out with
Shaun have really made me see life differently..."
*Laura* "I'm glad..."
Back in the living room Shaun and Luke sit on the
 couch and chat, while Leila has a bottle of milk. She is
quite tired it has been a long day for her.

*Luke* "Hey, man...I'm sorry if Laura made you uncomfortable
pushing you two spending more time together..."
*Shaun* "It's okay...I'm over it. I know she just wants what
 she thinks is best for Amari and me."
Luke pulls up little Fin...he too is getting tired.

*Luke* "Yeah she just kinda had her heart set on
 things being a certain way..."
*Amari* "I think all women do that..."
*Luke* "What do you mean?"

*Shaun* "Well I think Amari was hoping for a happily ever after too...I mean I feel bad but at the same time it feels good. We were miserable fighting all the time."
*Luke* "Yeah I know...Can you believe it's been 10 years since I left Rufus?...
I wonder sometimes if she had never lost that baby, where I'd be..."

*Shaun* "Shit! Has it been that long?!..."
*Luke* "Yeah...so I get where you are coming from. I think back now
and think I couldn't stay with Rufus even if we did have a kid..."
 *Shaun* "Yeah I know...She's in much better place
now though...She's happy."

*Luke* "That's good. I'm glad she is."
*Shaun* "Damn, who knew 10 years later we'd be sitting here
with kids on our laps...shootin' the shit..."
*Luke laughs* "I know fucking insane but I wouldn't change it either...I'm glad
 we're family man. Life has been a real ride,,,"
*Shaun* "So am I, bother..So. Am. I."
A short while later Shaun and Amari get ready to leave. 
Both Leila and Fin are sacked and ready for bed.

*Amari* "Call me with the details for this weekend.."
*Laura* "I will...give that sweet girl a kiss
goodnight for me. She's so precious, Mari."
*Amari* "I will...thanks again for dinner."

 *Luke* "Drive safe man...thanks for coming."
*Shaun* "Thanks for dinner. That was seriously
 the best meal I ate all year!"
*Luke smiles* "Well maybe if you're around for Thanksgiving you
 two can drop by."
*Shaun* "Yeah...for sure. Happy Anniversary."
Shaun and Amari leave. Shaun takes Leila and Amari back to their hotel room where they'll be staying for the rest of the week. Then he heads home to his house. 
Laura and Luke head upstairs and get the boys to bed. They go down easily it was a late night for them...Laura comes strolling into their bedroom to find all the lights out thinking
 Luke has already fallen asleep. Then his hand reaches out finding hers, steam is billowing out of the doorway as she 
looks up past him into their bathroom...

 *Luke* "C'mere...babe...Time to let me take care of you..."

The End!
Hope you enjoyed this mild, kinda slow paced episode, after all the crazy drama, lol! I enjoyed setting up for this one using some of my fave foods by one of my dearest dolls friends who has taught me so much!
Here is a link to her Etsy shop...The Ham, Mac and Cheese, and The Cornbread were made by her.

Dolly Delectables

See you guys next week!
^_^