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Post by larue on Jul 6, 2011 0:19:27 GMT 10
Abby stepped out of the shop onto the sidewalk and adjusted the little Donald Duck baseball cap on Declan’s head. She shifted the shoulder straps of the baby carrier and glanced around for Luka and Lauren. Ah…there they were. She suppressed a smile and watched them for a moment.
They stood side by side in the middle of the street, a little girl in denim overall shorts with Minnie Mouse ears topping her curling pigtails, hand clasped snugly in her daddy‘s, the two of them just studying the wonder of the cobble stoned road in front of them. It was a road that led them straight to Cinderella’s castle. Abby didn’t know which of them was more excited about the day ahead. She took a deep breath and made her way through the crowd in the street.
“Are you ready?” she asked and Luka grinned as he looked down at her. He tipped a finger on the bill of the baby’s hat as she took their daughter’s other hand.
“What’s first on the agenda?” Luka shrugged and tipped his head toward the castle ahead of them. “That’s the way to Fantasy Land,” he said. “Flying Dumbo, Teacup ride, Pooh Bear…” Abby’s hand shot up to stop him.
“Say no more!” she laughed. “I am a sucker for the honey pot.” Luka grinned. He swung Lauren up to his hip and reached for Abby’s hand. He frowned a bit as she held back.
“You’re not going to make me skip or anything, are you?” she asked. Luka grimaced and then chuckled.
“Come on…..” he growled. She chuckled and took his hand as they headed toward the bridge in front of the huge castle.
Susan was almost asleep in the sun on the lounge next to the pool when she felt the shadow cross her face. She raised her hand to block the sun from her eyes.
“Hey,” Scott said as he crouched next to her lounge chair. “You look nice and comfortable. I thought you‘d be at one of the parks though.” Susan pulled herself up to a sitting position and reached for the flower draped fruit drink on the table next to her.
“Naw,” she said as she took a sip. “The kids decided to spend the day at the water park because of the heat. I’m not exactly a water slide kind of person.” Scott nodded.
“That’s what your dad said when I left Casey with him.” Susan frowned and Scott shrugged.
“We were at Blizzard Beach and Molly got upset about something. She said she had to come back and change her clothes. Your dad offered to keep Casey with them till we get back.” He nodded toward his hotel room door. “Now she’s locked in the bathroom and won’t come out.” Susan turned to study the row of doors on the other side of the pool for a moment.
“How old is Molly?” she asked warily.
“Twelve,” he replied. “Why?” Susan cast knowing eyes toward him and Scott’s head dropped.
“Oh crap….” he said softly. Susan chuckled.
“And you call yourself a doctor,” she sighed as she shook her head. Susan reached for her cell phone on the table and quickly punched in a text message.
“But you’re a guy…..and a dad….so its forgivable.” Scott stood up.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“I am calling in the cavalry,” she said as she gathered up her phone and beach towel. Susan slipped her feet into her sandals and held up her hand to the man next to her. “The only thing that is going to comfort Molly right now are commiserating comrades” she said as he pulled her to her feet. “Susie and Heather just went to check the desk about where they could buy a bathing suit because Heather forgot to pack one. I am sure Molly would be much happier spending the day shopping with them.” Scott nodded.
“I’ll go talk to her while you find that little store in the lobby where they sell sunscreen and cameras and well…..little pink boxes for women.” Susan’s grin widened a bit as his face blanched and he nodded. He turned and started around the pool toward the hotel’s entrance.
“Uh, Scott…..” He stopped and turned back to her.
“Room key?” He grimaced and pulled a plastic card from his pocket.
“Thanks,” he said as she took it from him. She laughed and jostled his shoulder with her fist.
“Don’t be so worried,” Susan said as she wrapped a beach towel around her. “I’m sure you’ll have this all worked out before Casey joins our ranks.” Scott rolled his blue eyes at her and wiped the sweat off his brow. He shook his head and headed around the pool edge toward the hotel shop area.
“Oh…and get some ibuprofen too!” she called. He didn’t turn as he waved his hand and kept walking. She chuckled again and rounded the end of the pool with the huge dragon slide. She used the key to open the hotel room door.
“Molly?” she called as she entered the room. She glanced around and studied the coolly decorated room. Three suitcases were on the beds and clothes strewn here and there. She rapped softly on the nearby bathroom door.
“Molly,” she said as she rapped again. “Its Dr. Lewis. Your dad gave me his key.” She waited a long moment and then heard the soft click of the bathroom lock. Susan opened the door. Molly looked up at her miserably from her seat on the bathroom stool lid.
“I want my mom,” she sniffed as tears bleared her huge brown eyes.
“Aw, sweetie, I know.” Susan moved to sit on the edge of the bathtub and reached to brush a strand of long dark hair behind the girl‘s ear. “But dads come in pretty handy too. I sent him to the hotel shop to get some things for you.” Molly nodded and sighed heavily as she balanced her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands. She glanced at Susan and tears spilled out of her eyes and down her cheeks. She didn’t protest as Susan gathered her close and hugged her.
Abby sighed and checked the text message on her cell phone. She jostled the sweaty, sleeping baby in her lap and pulled a wet wipe from the backpack at her feet. She wiped his face and then used it on her own brow.
“They’re in the park,” she said as Luka approached the bench she sat on. “They know we have reservations for dinner here.” Luka strained to see in the windows of the Crystal Palace. He stood Lauren on the bench next to Abby and leaned his head close to hers to point out the costumed characters behind the glass.
“See Lauren,” he said. “I told you. We are having dinner with Pooh Bear and Eyore and Piglet….”
“Den we going home, Daddy?” Lauren sighed. “I’m tired.” “Yeah,” Luka nodded. “We’ll go back to our hotel.” Abby chuckled at his disappointed response.
“We’ll be back, honey,” she drawled. “We still have three more days to spend here.” Luka laughed as he sat down next to her.
“Am I that obvious?” He drew Lauren into his lap and leaned to kiss Abby’s nose.
“Did you have fun today?” he asked as he stretched his long legs out before him and his arms across the back of the bench seat.
“Mmmm hmmm,” Abby nodded. “I especially loved beating your score on the Buzz Light Year Laser Zapping thing.”
“Awww…..I let Lauren do the alien shooting there,” he said. Abby pulled away and looked back at him with a frown. Luka’s eyes widened innocently and he shrugged. Abby grinned and settled back in the crook of his arm.
“You did not…..” she laughed quietly. Luka chuckled happily and hugged her. He straightened as Cosmo suddenly jumped in front of them and they were deluged with a happy, laughing circle of people. Luka set Lauren on her feet and lifted the baby from Abby’s lap. Susie lifted Lauren in her arms and followed Luka to the restaurant door. Heather was chatting with Molly and Casey as Henry, Scott and a bouncing Cosmo followed up the rear. Susan dropped wearily onto the bench next to Abby.
“And how was your day?” she asked. Abby chuckled and glanced back at Scott curiously.
“I think I would be more interested in finding out how yours went,” she said. Susan shrugged and sighed.
“Eh…you know,” she said. “Pool, water park, nap, pool……typical day in Disney World.’
“Suuuusan……” Abby warned.
“Aaaabbby……” Susan grinned and chuckled.
“Hey! You guys comin?” Cosmo asked as he ran back to the bench. He rubbed his snub, sun burned nose and waited.
“Yeah…we’re coming,” Susan said as she stood up and handed the baby backpack from the bench to the little boy. Susan pulled Abby to her feet and they followed him inside.
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Post by Martine on Jul 6, 2011 17:59:02 GMT 10
So glad you decided to continue updating this story ;D Please don't wait as long as last time to post your next update Looking forward to it!
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Post by suzanne on Jul 7, 2011 1:33:47 GMT 10
So glad you decided to continue updating this story ;D Please don't wait as long as last time to post your next update Looking forward to it! I totally agree, love this story!! Plase update again soon!! ;D
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Post by larue on Jul 11, 2011 9:34:29 GMT 10
Something was tickling her nose. It was feathery and irritating as she tried snatch a few more minutes of sleep. She reached up to brush it away. Her eyes flew open and she smiled as she sniffed the downy softness of Declan’s hair. Abby pulled herself up on her elbow and propped her cheek in her hand. She studied the sleeping baby in the sheets on the bed next to her. His cheeks were pink and his lips slightly parted as he slept. She pulled back the sheet a little and her fingers spread gently over his round, bare little tummy. Declan frowned slightly and his mouth widened in a yawn as he continued to sleep. Abby grinned and lightly traced a finger over his dark browns and down to the tip of his upturned nose. The baby wrinkled his forehead in protest and then his features smoothed out again. She chuckled and leaned close to his ear, pushing light brown strands of hair out of the way. “Declan….’ she murmured. “Time to get up, baby boy.” He squirmed a little and then she gently kissed a chubby, milky smelling cheek. He reached his hands up to his face and murmured as she kissed a closed eye and then his nose. She kissed his chin and then traced a line of kisses down his chest to his tummy. Declan chortled as she blew lightly on his belly and then raised her face to his. His eyes were open and he grinned as he kicked his feet and twisted his fingers in her hair. Abby chuckled and pulled herself to a sitting position and lifted the little boy to her lap. She helped him stand and kissed his cheeks again as he bounced. He reached for the lacy edge of her nightgown and Abby laughed as she buried her nose in the delicious crook between his shoulder and neck. “I don’t think so, kiddo,” she said as she kissed him noisily. “It hasn’t really been that long since you had breakfast.” They both looked toward the door as the lock clicked and the door swung open. Declan danced happily in his mother’s arms as Lauren burst into the room.
“Mommy!” she cried as she bounced onto the bed. Abby tightened her hold on Declan and then reached out an arm to encircle her daughter into a hug.
“Ah…..Lauren,” she cried frantically. “The door!”
“I’ve got it,” Luka said as he entered with a large paper cup of coffee and a pastry sack. He closed the door with his foot and carried his things to the small table by the window.
“Good gracious, daughter of mine,” Abby laughed as Lauren bounced to her feet and then jumped on the bed, her light summer dress flying. “What did your tata feed you for breakfast? Firecrackers?” Lauren’s dark hair swung about her face as she shook her head.
“Nope!” she said. “Pineappos, appos and cherrwies!”
“And oatmeal with a bagel and cream cheese,” Luka added. He caught the little girl under one arm and handed the coffee cup and sack to Abby. Lauren laughed as Luka swung her around once and then deposited her onto the other bed. She jumped happily as Luka stretched out onto the bed next to Abby and took the baby from her. Declan stuck a finger in his mouth as he watched his big sister from his perch on his daddy‘s lap. Luka pressed a kiss to the baby’s head and watched as Abby opened the pastry bag.
“Oooo….a beignet,” Abby sighed as she lifted the baked sugary confection out of the bag and took a bite. He nodded to the bag on the table.
“I brought you a fruit cup, too” he said. Abby lifted her face for a kiss. Luka grinned and obliged her.
“Ah, you are the best,” she chuckled happily and took another bite of the pastry.
“What did I miss at the morning planning session?” she asked. Luka jostled Declan until the baby laughed and kicked his feet. Luka grinned and kissed the back of the baby’s neck.
“Well, Susie and Heather never made it to the table,” he said as he glanced protectively toward Lauren. The little girl fell onto her back and then rolled onto her tummy. She reached for the remote and turned on the television. She settled herself into the pillows and crossed her ankles as she flipped from one channel to the next.
“Susan said something about them hitting the cappuccino vendor, being up all night and finally crashing this morning.” Abby chuckled and took a sip of her coffee. Luka sighed as she climbed off the bed and retrieved the bag with her fruit cup. Abby climbed back onto the bed and snuggled against his side.
“Anyway,” Luka went on. “Susan is going to go to Epcot with Scott and his girls for the day…..”
“Really?” Abby drawled as she tucked a piece of fresh pineapple between her lips. “That sounds hopeful.” Luka chuckled.
“I thought you would like that,” he said. “Cosmo wants to go back to the Magic Kingdom with us. And everybody is going to be meeting us at the Liberty Tavern for our Thanksgiving dinner reservation tonight.”
“You made our reservations for Scott’s family too?” Luka shook his head.
“He has reservations for their dinner at another hotel….the Grand Florida…or something,” he said.
“Was Susan disappointed?” Abby looked up at him. Luka shook his head.
“I don’t think so.” Abby frowned a little and then sat straighter and sighed. She set the nearly empty fruit container on the table and rummaged through a suitcase for a clean diaper and tee shirt for Declan.
“Henry offered to keep Declan here with him today,” Luka said as he lifted Declan up over his head. Declan giggled and kicked his feet. “He wants to watch the football games or something.” She stopped short and her eyes widened a bit.
“But what about……” her hands fluttered near her chest and then fell. Luka grimaced and nuzzled Declan’s bare tummy.
“We brought that big can of soy formula and a bottle in case we needed it,” he said. “He’ll be fine for one day.” Abby studied him for a long moment.
“He said he could watch the games here and be near everything he’d need, Abby,” Luka said. “And I told him to charge anything he wanted for dinner to our room. Room service?” Abby sighed and took the baby from Luka’s arms. She cuddled him close for a moment and then held him away from her. Declan kicked his feet in the air and then looked at her. He grinned and then laughed.
“Yeah,” she said. “You probably would be happier here in the air conditioning than in the heat tucked into that old baby carrier on Mama, wouldn’t you??” She kissed him and then handed him back to Luka.
“I am going to jump in the shower,” she said as she headed toward the bathroom. She gestured toward the clean diaper on the bed. “I think he might be ready for that. And Luka…..” He looked up at her. Abby tipped her head toward the other bed.
“You might want to talk your daughter into putting her clothes back on.” Luka turned to look at Lauren. She had wiggled out of the summer dress and was stretched out on the bed, ankles crossed and hands behind her head, clad only in her Tinkerbell panties as she watched television. Abby rolled her eyes and disappeared into the bathroom as he snickered. Luka laid Declan between his knees and reached for the clean diaper. He opened it and glanced up at the television as he whipped off the wet diaper and replaced it with the clean one.
“Tata,” Lauren said absently as her eyes never left the television screen.
“Da, draga?” Luka replied.
“I yike our new home,” she sighed happily. Abby peered suddenly around the dressing area wall at her and then looked at Luka. His eyes danced and they laughed.
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Post by suzanne on Jul 11, 2011 17:26:28 GMT 10
Yay another update!! ;D Ah such a cute, happy update! Really loving this story and can't wait to read more!! Update again soon!
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Post by larue on Jul 17, 2011 21:36:02 GMT 10
Susan stood back and watched Casey Porter maneuver her way through a computer game involving arrows and open shafts and animated corn on platform. She shook her head in disbelief as the word ‘Success!’ filled the screen and the little girl did a triumphant fist pump into the air.
“And the world now runs on clean methanol fuel,” Susan chuckled and Casey grinned broadly. She grabbed Susan’s hand and dragged her to another free monitor and pushed the buttons to get another game going. Susan watched in slight dismay as Casey explained the intricate details of the recycling plastic process to her as it was played out on the computer monitor. Then she launched into the game.
“Your daughters are certainly very science savvy,” Susan said as Scott looked up from his own computer game. He laughed.
“Totally their mom’s doing,” he said. “I would have kept them in ballet shoes and purses and plastic high heels.” Susan grimaced.
“Aw, Dr. Porter,” she drawled. “A sexist…..in this day and age? Say it ain’t so.” Scott laughed and shrugged. Susan looked around the huge room of the Innovations Center.
“I am amazed that its not busier than this,” she said. Scott shrugged again without looking up.
“Thanksgiving Day means families and big dinners,” he said. “I’d bet that most of the people here are tourists from out of the country who don‘t have any idea what today is.” Susan nodded thoughtfully.
“You’re probably right.”
“Are you done here yet, Dad?” Molly asked impatiently. “You promised we’d do the Space thing next.”
“You’re interested in the space program, Molly?” Susan leaned against the computer module where Casey was playing. Molly shook her head disdainfully.
“Hardly,” she sighed. “Everyone knows that the space program is going down the tubes because of government funding.”
“Seriously?” Susan’s eyes widened. “I didn’t know that.” Molly rolled her eyes and turned on her heel to head for the open door. Scott glanced at Susan and laughed. “Molly is just mad at the government for ending the shuttle program because my Mom wanted her to be an astronaut someday,” Casey stated flatly.
“And what does Molly want?” Susan asked. The little girl didn’t look away from the computer screen and shrugged her shoulders.
“Beats me,” she said. “She likes to study about marine biology though. And she has a picture of Dr. Ballard in the journal she keeps under her bed.”
“Dr. Bob Ballard is the explorer who discovered the Titanic….” Scott offered as he stood up from his game station.
“You read your sister’s secret journal?” Susan scoffed in feigned dismay. Casey shrugged.
“I don’t actually…read…it,” she frowned. “That would be invading her privacy.”
“Oh, of course,” Susan nodded with a note of sarcasm. “Her privacy…..” Scott grinned and pulled the little girl reluctantly away from the computer screen.
“Come on, kiddo,” he chuckled. “Let’s go do the space thing so we can hit the Oceans exhibit where we know your sister really wants to go.”
Two hours later, Susan sat on a concrete bench outside the Mission: Space pavilion with her head in her hands. Molly stood tapping her foot impatiently as Scott handed a bottle of water to the older woman.
“I am SO sorry,” Susan sighed shakily. “I should have known better than to have gone with the orange team with you on that ride. Green even sounds safer….” Scott chuckled and then sat next to her on the bench. He took the bottle from her and opened the cap.
“Take a sip…” Susan nodded and lifted the bottle to her lips. Casey was sitting on the other side of her, watching with worried eyes. Susan glanced up at Molly, who looked away. Susan frowned slightly and Scott followed her gaze. He pulled a wallet out of his pocket and handed some dollar bills to Casey.
“Why don’t the two of you go get an ice cream or something,” he said.
“Are you going to be okay?” Casey asked worriedly as she stood up.
“Yeah…..in a minute or two,” Susan nodded. She watched as the two girls crossed the hot plaza toward an ice cream vendor.
“The last time I did this was when we decided to take a ferry across Lake Michigan before a camping trip,” she sighed and cast miserable eyes to the man sitting next to her. “I should have paid attention to all those warnings inside.” Scott grinned and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
“Motion sickness isn’t something to take lightly,” he said sympathetically. “Do you get migraines with it too?“ Susan shook her head and took another sip from the water bottle. Scott stretched an arm behind her on the bench and his fingers tucked protectively at her shoulder. Susan glanced at them and then back at the girls who were waiting for their treats.
“Uh, do you really think they are ready for this, Dr. Porter,” she asked quietly. Scott frowned in confusion and Susan tipped her head toward his fingers on her shoulder. Scott glanced back at his daughters and then took a deep breath.
“Maybe they’re not,” he said softly. ‘But I am. What about you?” He turned his head to look at her and Susan’s eyes widened a bit as she studied the penetrating blue eyes that gazed into hers…..the dimple that worked in his cheek as he bit his lip….the coarse graying blonde hair that fell across his forehead. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment.
She gasped inwardly as she pictured the front porch of their house in Iowa. He was leaning on the white rail with a cockeyed grin on his face. He raised two fingers to his forehead in a silly salute….just as he used to when she pulled out of the driveway on her way to work some days.
Chuck.
The picture in her mind faded as she opened her eyes again and saw that Scott was still watching her.
“Yeah, I think…..I am,” she hesitated softly, surprised at her answer. Scott smiled and touched her forehead with his for a split second. His fingers squeezed her shoulder and then released as he stood up. Molly and Casey approached with frozen juice bars. “I think we should do something a little slower next,” he said. Molly regarded him suspiciously.
“You wanted to try Test Track next, daddy,” she said. Casey scoffed.
“YOU wanted to go to the Seas with Nemo,” she giggled. Molly nudged her sharply with her elbow.
“Ow!” Casey cried as her popsicle fell to the ground. Scott scooped it up and broke off the piece that wasn’t covered with cellophane. He tossed the piece into the nearby bushes and handed the rest of the treat to Casey before she had a chance to react.
“Come on, girls,” he said as he reached for Susan’s hand and pulled her to her feet. “I hear the dolphins calling.” Casey laughed and reached for Susan’s free hand. The three of them headed across the plaza and then Scott stopped. He turned back and held out a hand to Molly.
“Coming with us, Moll?” he asked. Molly glanced at Susan and shrugged. She stepped forward slowly. Scott waited till she was closer and wrapped an arm around her. He plastered a blubbery kiss to her cheek and Molly pulled away in embarrassment.
“Oh…daddy!” she groaned as she looked around to see who might be watching them. Scott laughed and took her by the hand and pulled her along with them. His eyes met Susan’s and he winked as his fingers tightened around hers.
Miles away in Adventure Land, Cosmo was swinging on the metal bar between lines of people waiting to enter the dark cave entrance of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. He glanced up disdainfully at Lauren, whose face was tucked into Luka’s neck. Her little arms were wrapped around him as he was murmuring something Croatian into her ear.
“Its not scary, you know,” Cosmo said as he looked up at Abby. “I rode this yesterday with Susie and Heather and Grandpa.”
“Well, maybe its not scary if you’re seven,” she said as the line moved forward. “But Lauren is only four and it’s dark and creepy and full of surprises that she doesn’t know about.” Cosmo nodded and looked around as they moved deeper into the attraction’s entrance. The walls were closer…..and clammier….and there were bars on a window next to him. They could hear the water ahead and the rumbling of the boats on their wheels and then the screams of people in them. Abby smiled as he moved a little closer and tucked his hand into hers.
It was much later in the evening when Susan watched across the dinner table at the Liberty Tavern as a heavy leathery pirate hat slipped down over her son’s eyes again. Cosmo pushed it back on his forehead and went back to eating the huge turkey leg in front of him.
“I thought we agreed to keep the souvenir spending to a minimum on this trip,” she said to Abby next to her. Abby glanced over at Cosmo and Lauren.
“Oh, the hat doesn’t belong to Cosmo,” she said. “It’s Lukas.” Susan gestured to the rubbery chain ‘irons’ on the table between the two children.
“And what’s that for?” Abby glanced at the toy and then turned her head to her friend.
“Well, that’s for when we play…” Susan’s eyes closed suddenly and she held up her hand.
“Okay…that‘s enough!” she said as Abby snickered. “I get the picture.” Susan shook her head with a grin and looked around the dinner table at her family. Her dad and Declan were missing but she knew they were napping back at the hotel. She had talked to him on the phone. The rest of them were here and their Thanksgiving dinner was as fabulous as Luka had promised it would be.
“Are you wishing Dr. Porter and his girls were here?” Susie asked from the other side of her.
“They had their own dinner plans which I am sure are every bit as wonderful as this one so please….drop it,” Susan said. Susie’s eyes met Heather’s across the table and they smiled softly and nodded. Susan lifted a bite of her turkey and cornbread stuffing toward her mouth and glanced toward Abby. She was studying her carefully. Susan put the food in her mouth and grinned as she chewed. Abby snorted happily as her eyes met Luka’s across the table from her.
Later, the lights in the hotel pool cast an eerie glow as Luka and Abby splashed in the water with Cosmo and Lauren. Susan watched from a beach chair and laughed as Cosmo squealed when Luka lifted him over his head and tossed him into deeper water.
“Hi, Dr. Lewis!” Casey called as she raced by the chair from behind her and leaped into the cool water of the pool toward Luka and Cosmo.
“Hey! How was your……dinner?” Susan’s voice trailed off as the little girl disappeared into the water.
“It was a little lonely,” Scott replied quietly as he moved beside her. “Want to get a drink with me?” Susan stood up from the chair.
“Sure.” Scott smiled and they rounded the pool’s edge toward the bistro.
“We’re getting something to drink,” Susan said as they passed Susie and Heather on the way.
“I think the bar is closed because of the holiday,” her niece said.
“We’ll let you know for sure,” Susan replied blithely as they continued on their way. Susie turned to Heather and they grinned and high fived one another.
And the bar was indeed closed. Susan and Scott looked at one another and she sighed heavily. Scott glanced around and then moved her furtively behind one of the huge columns next to the restaurant’s darkened entrance.
“I have been waiting all day long for this,” he sighed as his fingers slipped into her hair on the sides of her neck.
“Me too,” Susan chuckled softly as she wrapped her arms across his back and drew him closer to her.
“Happy Thanksgiving, Dr. Lewis,” Scott said as he studied her face for a moment.
“Happy Thanksgiving to you, Dr. Porter,” she grinned….and they kissed.
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Post by suzanne on Jul 18, 2011 3:45:15 GMT 10
Yay another update!! Love this story! Can't wait to read more!! ;D
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Post by larue on Jul 22, 2011 0:12:59 GMT 10
Abby’s arms tightened around the baby nestled in the carrier strapped to her chest as the ‘safari’ jeep bounced over the rutted road and then suddenly stopped. She turned her attention to the little girl on Luka’s lap as Lauren squealed.
“A girwaffe, Tata!” She was pointing excitedly to a gracefully, tall animal that loped slowly across the road ahead of them. Cameras were clicking all around them as their guide gave them facts about the animal and then explained that the animals were the in charge at the Kilimanjaro Safari and the vehicle would not move until the animals did. There was a gasp and even Abby was smiling as a baby giraffe made it’s way slowly out of the brush on the side of the road and followed its mother to the trees nearby. In the seat in front of them Susan was holding Cosmo by the back of his tee shirt as he leaned way out of the window to see. Casey was standing up on the other side of her taking a picture with Scott’s camera and then sat down to show her dad the shot. Molly sat on the other side of him with her head resting against the metal pole holding the top of their vehicle up. She had insisted on taking the window seat and was doing all she could to feign boredom. Abby’s eyes narrowed a bit and she shook her head.
“Royal brat,” Susie whispered softly as she leaned her head closer to Abby‘s. Abby nodded. She stiffened protectively as the jeep rolled slowly forward past the two giraffes that had moved closer to the trees to feed.
“Will the lions eat the baby, Tata?” Lauren asked worriedly as the jeep passed them. Luka shook his head and hugged her.
“No, baby,” he said. “Its like the zoo in here. The lions stay in their own places.”
“I don’t want dem to hurt the baby, Tata,” the little girl sighed. Her head went up.
“Horses!” Her eyes were wide as she pointed.
“Zebras…” Luka corrected her. “See their black and white stripes?”
“I guess Luka was right about getting here early,” Susie chuckled. “Cooler in the morning and all that….”
“Luka is always right…..” his voice growled playfully and Luka flashed a grin. Susie laughed as Abby rolled her eyes and looked up at him. He winked and glanced down at Declan. “Is he doing okay?” Abby nodded.
“I might need to take a breather and feed him after this though,” she said. “What’s next on the agenda?”
“There’s a walking tour through the gorillas,” he said. “Want to skip that?”
“I probably should….” They both looked up as a loud radio transmission went through the speaker system and their jeep began to speed up.
“What’s happening?” Lauren cried.
“it’s the end of the ride, draga,” Luka reassured her. “We are going to save a baby elephant!” Abby grabbed the seat in front of her as the jeep jostled through ruts in the road. Scott glanced back at her.
“Are you okay?” he asked. Abby nodded and studied him as he turned his attention back to the road ahead of them. He was a nice guy. Actually, he was a very nice guy.
Before he had even dismounted from the ride, Luka was studying his map of the Animal Kingdom park.
“Okay,” he said. “The Pangini Forest trail is over here.” He gestured toward a bend in the path where they were standing.
“There is a coffee shop and bakery down that way,” he said gesturing in another direction. “You can take care of the baby and wait for us there, Abby. The rest of us will…..”
“Uh, Luka,” Susie interrupted him as she tucked her own map back into the sack pack she used and pulled the drawstring shut. “We really appreciate that you want this to be a..…learning experience and all….but there’s a rollercoaster calling our name.” Heather nodded. Susie took a deep breath.
“And well,” Susie went on as she wrapped an arm around Molly’s shoulders. “Heather and I feel a tremendous responsibility to give Molly here a lesson in….physics.” Scott grinned as Molly’s sunglasses slipped to the end of her nose and she pushed them back up. She was trying hard to hide a smile.
Heather draped her arm over Susie’s on Molly’s shoulders as Susan rolled her eyes and shook her head.
“We’ll probably have to ride them five times…..” she said.
“Maybe even six ……’ Susie interrupted.
“Six times….so Molly can actually…experience…..that all important ‘g force‘,” Heather went on. "You know.....educational...purposes."
“So you see, Luka,” Susie said pulled her arm free and reached down to hold Molly’s hand. “We’re going to have to skip the animal hike. For Molly’s sake. Okay?” Luka scowled and then brushed them away with his map in hand.
“Get out of here!” he laughed. Susie and Heather turned and raced off with Molly between them. Scott glanced down at Casey’s wistful face watching them go and then at Susan. He shrugged apologetically and took the little girl’s hand in his.
“I think we need to go with them, Luka,” he said. “I need to make sure that…Molly….understands those….uh…concepts…..they’re planning to put her through.” Luka nodded and waved him away. Scott and a happier Casey turned to follow the older girls and he waved to Susan.
“We’ll meet you in Dino Land later,” he called. “ For lunch?” Susan nodded and watched them disappear into the crowd. She turned back to what was left of their group.
“That….uh….jeep ride was a little rough on my back,” her dad said as he pressed a hand to his hip.
“Not you too!” Susan moaned. Henry chuckled.
“I think I’d better stick with this little lady here and have some coffee while we wait for you.” Henry took the back pack from Luka and sidled closer to Abby. “You know….so I can rest these muscles.” Luka sighed and lifted Lauren to his shoulders.
“Come along, gorilla meister,” Susan sighed as she corralled Cosmo to follow Luka and Lauren.
“The book said that you won’t even be able to see where the barriers are,” Luka said as they moved down the pathway together. “It’s supposed to be just like in the real jungle.”
“Oh lovely……” Susan replied with a note of sarcasm. Abby chuckled and shifted a squirming Declan in the carrier.
“You don’t have to hold your back funny or anything with me,” she said as she leaned toward Henry, her brown eyes twinkling. “I know how Luka can be.“ He chuckled and straightened.
“I’m thinking that I need something to go along with a cup of coffee,” he said as they headed toward the food court area.
“So is this little guy,” Abby laughed as Declan began to wail.
The sun was hot overhead as Susan sat on a nearby bench and watched Cosmo and Lauren digging in the sand of the Bone Yard. She snuggled a sleeping Declan a bit closer in her lap and took another sip of the icy lemonade in her hand.
“So what are those two doing, anyway?” She looked up as Scott leaned down on the back of the bench where she sat.
“I’m not sure,” she said as she looked up at him. “But I think….they are making a sand castle.”
“Aren’t they supposed to be unearthing dinosaur bones?” Susan laughed.
“Don’t tell Luka.” She grinned as Scott planted a kiss on her warm, bare shoulder and then her neck.
“It must be safe,” she chuckled. He rounded the bench and sat next to her.
“We ran into Abby and Luka as they were getting in line for Expedition,” he said. “They took Casey with them. The other girls are heading for the River Rapids ride.”
“Ah….” she sighed. “We’re safe.” Scott nodded and kissed her lips softly.
“Want me take him for a while?” he asked as they parted. She shook her head.
“No. He’s fine.” Susan glanced down at the baby in her lap and smiled. She turned her head to check on Lauren and Cosmo and her smile faded. “Uh oh,“ she breathed softly. The little boy was watching them curiously as he continued to dig in the sand with Lauren. Cosmo stood up and put his hands on his hips.
“Where is everybody?” he asked. Scott straightened a little guiltily and shrugged.
“Off on different things,” he said. Cosmo approached them with a frown on his face and gazed at the two of them for a moment.
“Cos….” Susan started as she took a deep breath.
“Will you take me on the flying dinosaur ride?” the little boy interrupted as he studied the man next to her.
“Sure,” Scott nodded with a smile. Cosmo reached for his hand and Scott stood up.
“Its over this way,” Cosmo said as he pulled Scott away from the bench.
“Do not believe him if he promises not to make that dinosaur soar as high as it will go, “ Susan warned. Cosmo peeked around Scott and grinned at her.
“But I won’t, Mom,” he said with wide eyes. “I really won’t this time.”
“Yeah…right,” she winked. Cosmo grinned and was almost skipping beside Scott as they walked away.
“So how many times have you ridden this thing, anyway?” Scott asked him. Susan watched them go and sighed as she watched Lauren jump on the sand castle and then settle down to build it up again.
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Post by suzanne on Jul 23, 2011 2:19:44 GMT 10
Loving this story! It's sooo good to read a happy story and Scott and Susan are cute!! Update again soon!! ;D
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Post by larue on Jul 29, 2011 0:35:29 GMT 10
“A penny for your thoughts.” Susan frowned and turned her head to look at Abby.
“Oh my god,” she said incredulously. “You did NOT say that.” Abby laughed.
“I know,” she said as she shifted the backpack on her shoulders. “But you look so pensive. And you‘re not really thinking about buying that are you?” She tipped her head toward the flashy red Mickey Mouse waffle iron in front of them.” Susan let out a deep breath and shook her head.
“Cosmo caught Scott and I kissing,” she said. Abby chuckled and shook her head.
“Is that all?” she asked.
“I mean…really…kissing, Abby,” she said. “Not just a peck on the cheek kind of thing he’s seen me do with other guys in his life.”
“What did he say about it?” Abby asked. Susan sighed and shrugged her shoulders.
“Nothing…..” she murmured. “But he has dragged the poor guy all over the place. The flying dinosaurs….insisted that he sit next to HIM on the other Dinosaur ride…..and on the trams…..and now to the Lego Store. I mean, I like Legos too. What if he‘s getting too attached or something? What if he‘s trying to break us up? Maybe it‘s not a good thing after all.” Abby pursed her lips thoughtfully as she played with the bright red and yellow handles of the cooking implements on the counter in front of them. She held up a Mickey shaped pancake turner and Susan frowned and shook her head.
“I kind of like it,” Abby grimaced playfully. “You don’t think it would work in my kitchen?” Susan chuckled and shook her head. Abby checked the price tag and grimaced as she put it back.
“I don’t think its anything to worry about actually,” she said as they worked their way through the crowds to another section of the store. “I mean, it was just a kiss, right? Nothing…..serious?” Susan turned to look at her and laughed.
“No…” she cried. “I just met the guy……”
“Well, you DO have a thing for vacation romances,” Abby stated as she shifted the shirts hanging on hangers on the rack in front of her. “You actually got married the last time it happened.”
“We were drinking, Abby,” Susan said as she held up a hanger with a sweatshirt hoodie. “A lot.”
“And look how well that one turned out,” her friend replied. Abby surveyed the character on the shirt Susan was holding in front of her.
“Feeling…Grumpy…are we?” she asked. Abby frowned and started rifling through the other shirts on the rack. “I wonder if there is a dwarf named…Envy? Ah….here‘s Dopey!” She grinned and held the shirt up for Susan to see. Susan frowned and then chuckled as she shoved the shirt in her hand back onto the rack. Abby’s smile faded sympathetically as she studied her friend.
“Just go with it, Susan,” she said quietly. “He’s a nice guy. Cosmo will be fine.”
“Ah…but then there are the girls,” Susan grimaced. “They are so not ready for this kind of thing in their lives….in spite of what Porter thinks.”
“Casey loves you,” Abby scoffed.
“Give her some time,” Susan nodded. “She will be just like Molly. No little girl likes anyone coming between her and her daddy.” Abby laughed softly.
“What?” Susan stopped as she studied another sweatshirt.
“That’s the first time you have actually acknowledged that you might be…..” Abby stopped as Susan nudged her. Her eyes traveled in the direction of Susan’s nod and her face melted. Declan was strapped face out in the baby carrier on Luka’s chest and was decked out in a baby sized Dopey hat.
“Not that,” Susan murmured. “We may have another problem.” Abby’s eyes traveled upward to the bright green Goofy hat on her husband’s head. Luka’s dimples flashed between the long fuzzy ears on either side of his head.
“Oh….geez,” she sighed. Susan nodded and swallowed hard as she took in the over sized blue and silver Sorcerer’s hat on Scott’s head. He was grinning as she closed her eyes.
“They’re coming this way,” she sighed. She linked her arms with Abby’s and pulled her in the opposite direction. “Come on….”
“They’ll make it worse if we run,” Abby hissed as she planted her sandals firmly. Susan nodded and turned back to the guys reluctantly.
“Hey…..” she said with a big grin as she turned back to the approaching guys.
“Like our hats?” Scott asked as he grinned and reached up to wiggle the Mickey ears.
“We thought they would add something to our staff meetings,” Luka said.
“And symposium speeches…” Scott added.
“Student lectures….” Luka nodded as he glanced at Scott.
“They will definitely add…something…all right,” Abby grimaced with a grin.
“You didn’t actually buy that, did you?” Susan asked.
“Of course, I did,” Scott scoffed. “I have to have something to embarrass my daughters with.” He straightened and preened a bit in front of her.
“Do you think Molly will appreciate me wearing this on the plane home?” Susan rolled her eyes and then laughed.
“You are terrible,” she chuckled as she leaned toward him. “You have no idea how to handle a teenager at all.”
“Which is why I need you in my life,” he whispered as he wrapped his arms around her and pressed a kiss to her ear.
“You already bought the pirate hat,” Abby adjusted the Dopey hat and kissed Declan‘s cheeks. The baby‘s feet kicked happily.
“That one was for you,” Luka laughed as he grabbed the bare toes and held them. “This one is for work.”
“Don’t worry, Abby,” Susan laughed. “They won’t really wear them.” Scott stiffened and looked up at Luka as he straightened beside him.
“I say, Dr. Kovac,” he drawled in a pronounced English accent. “Did I hear a bit of challenge in that statement?”
“I think I did too,” Luka grinned. They nodded at one another and then high fived with their hands.
“Oh, god…” Susan moaned as her chin dropped to her chest.
“Now, you’ve done it,” Abby shook her head. Luka and Scott grinned.
“Come on, Mommy,” Scott said as he took Susan’s hand. “Cosmo, Susie and Casey are waiting for us at the Lego store. There was a way cool spaceship set I wanted to buy for your son but he said I couldn’t until his mom checked it out first. Apparently, you are the Lego expert in the family.” Susan nodded and grinned at Abby as he pulled her toward an exit door.
“And Henry is waiting for a table at the Rainforest Café with the rest of them,” Luka sighed. “We have some major babysitting bribing to do. Porter and I want to take our girls dancing on Paradise Island tonight.”
“Dancing?” Abby gasped. “But…Luka don’t dance.” Luka raised his dark eyebrows and shrugged.
“Luka is on vacation,” he growled as he reached for her hand. “There is no telling…what….Luka might do.” Abby held back as he headed toward the exit. She looked up at the tall neon green hat that made him tower over the rest of the shoppers.
“Will you take the hat off first?” she wheedled as she shifted the backpack on her shoulder. Luka thought for a moment, tugging at the ear hanging next to his cheek and then shook his head.
“Naw,” he said. “It keeps the sun off my head.” Abby sagged and he chuckled as he pulled her toward the door.
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Post by larue on Aug 3, 2011 1:17:55 GMT 10
“I don’t know why I have to stay with the babies,” Cosmo whined from his perch on the sink’s counter top. He watched as his mother continued carefully applying the mascara to her eye lashes.
“Susie said you could go with them,” Susan replied evenly. “She and Heather are taking Molly and Casey to Epcot to go to all of the countries. You might like that.”
“They’re all girls,” Cosmo sighed heavily.
“Grandpa wants to help you with your new Legos,” his mother said as she drew a brush through her shoulder length hair. “And I saw the way you were checking out the Peter Pan play set that Lauren got today. You know she’ll want you to play with it too.” The little boy shrugged his shoulders and studied her again. Susan tugged at the waist of the new yellow sundress she wore as she surveyed herself critically in the large mirror. The dress had cost more than she had intended to pay today but it was worth it. She turned to the little boy who slumped sadly on the counter top.
“How do I look?” she asked.
“Why do you have to put all that stuff on your face?” he asked. Susan shrugged.
“To make me look pretty…” she said. Cosmo frowned slightly.
“I like you better without all of that….” Susan sighed as she studied the forlorn little boy.
“Sometimes it just helps me…feel….prettier,” she said carefully. She put a hand on the counter on either side of him and leaned her face close to his head. “Do you remember what your daddy did once when you were…oh…about two years old?” Cosmo shook his head and did not look up at her.
“Well,” Susan continued. “He painted my toe nails….and your toe nails….and his toe nails….all the same color. We all had neon green toes for an entire month.” Cosmo looked up at her and suppressed a grin.
“He did not,” the little boy said. Susan held up her right hand.
“I swear it’s the truth.” Her eyes met his same green ones and he smiled. She pressed a kiss to his thick, baby fine hair and lifted him off the counter. He wrapped his legs around her waist and she carried him to the bed. She sat down and held him in her lap for a long moment. He leaned close and let her cuddle him. The skin of his bare back was warm and smooth against her arms and his bathing suit was still slightly damp from his earlier swim. But she didn’t care. Moments like this were rare these days.
“Tomorrow is our last day here, Cos,” she said finally. “How about if you and I get up a little early and ride the monorail all through the park. Just the two of us. Maybe we could even stand in line to ride in the very front car again.” She smiled as she could actually feel him thinking about this. Riding the monorail was his very favorite thing.
“But what about breakfast?” he asked, not moving in her arms. “How will we know what everybody is going to do?”
“Susie can call us with her phone and we can meet them anywhere we decide we want to go for the day.” Cosmo pulled himself back so he could see her face.
“Can he come too?” he asked. Susan frowned.
“Grandpa?” she asked quizzically. Cosmo’s eyes were wide and he shook his head ever so slightly.
“Oh, “ his mother nodded in understanding. “Dr. Porter? Honey, I’m not sure that he can. He has to take care of Molly and Casey in the mornings. It would have to be just you and me, kiddo. Deal?” Cosmo thought for another moment and then grinned as he nodded. Susan drew him closer for a hug and blew a kiss into the crook of his neck.
“I love you, baby doll,” she crooned. This time the little boy struggled against her and pulled away. He climbed down from her lap and headed for the outside door.
“Mom?” he said as he turned the knob and opened the door. Susan looked at him and Cosmo grinned.
“You look really pretty right now,” he said.
“Well, thank you, honey,” Susan sighed. “Have fun with Grandpa tonight.” Cosmo nodded and closed the door behind him. She stood up and watched through the window as he ran across the patio to where her dad was sitting in a lounge chair by the pool. He slipped into a blue life vest and her dad fastened it before the little boy took a flying leap into the pool. She took a deep breath and blinked back the tears in her eyes and smoothed the damp wrinkles from the skirt of her dress. He was growing up way too fast.
In the room next door Luka bit his lip as he watched his daughter studying the two new night gowns that he held up by his finger tips. He shook them a bit.
“Choose one, Lauren,” he said. “What do you want to wear tonight? Belle and the Beast or Snow White and the dwarves?” His daughter’s brows were furrowed and her lips pursed in concentration. Her brown eyes flicked from one nightie to the other as her hands rested on her hips. Luka sighed in exasperation.
“I’ll pick,” Abby said blithely as she opened the bathroom door. She lifted the pink and yellow night gown from Luka’s hand and shook her head as Lauren quickly snatched the red nightgown from her daddy and danced away from her mother’s reach, pulling the gown over her head. Abby tucked the other nightgown into a suitcase and zipped it closed.
“She is her mother’s daughter,” she said as she slipped a hand to her hip and smiled at him.
“So what were you like when you were Molly’s age?” Luka asked as he spread a big hand on Declan‘s tummy and jostled him. The baby chuckled and kicked his feet. Abby rolled her eyes.
“You don’t want to know,” she laughed. Lauren climbed onto the bed and bounced, the new night gown fluttering around her bare feet.
“Hey, you…” Abby reached out and caught her in her arms. Lauren giggled as she fell onto the bed and Abby kissed her cheeks.
“Are you going to be a good helper for Grandpa tonight?”
“Yes!” Lauren squealed happily. Abby buried her nose in the little girl’s dark curls and tickled her squirming knees.
“Mommy!” Lauren cried. “Stop it!” Abby kissed her one more time and then let her go. Lauren lay still, breathing hard and grinning as she glanced from her mother to her father.
“Oh crap,” Abby sighed and shifted her shoulders. “I hope he’s hungry.” She stood up and lifted the baby from the bed and settled into the padded chair by the window. Luka leaned back against the headboard of the second bed and turned the television on. Lauren crawled onto the bed next to him and nestled close as he found the cartoon channel. Luka wrapped an arm around her and sighed happily. He turned to watch Abby as she cuddled Declan and adjusted her shoulder to give him easier access to his dinner. She looked up at him and grinned.
“Happy?” she asked. Luka nodded.
“Okay,“ she sighed. “I’ll admit it. You do great work when it comes to planning vacations.”
“Just vacations?” Abby rolled her eyes as he snickered. Luka bent his head and kissed the top of his daughter’s head. He jostled her in his arms and squeezed her in a hug.
* * * * * * *
One bus ride, boat ride and leisurely walk later, Scott set two glasses with club soda and two beer bottles on their table at the Atlantic Dance club. Abby looked at him in surprise as he took a drink from the second club soda. He set the glass down and shrugged.
“A promise I made to my girls a while back,” he explained. “I am not a drinker.” Abby fingered the second glass and then took a sip.
“That must have been some promise,” she said over the din of the dance music.
“My former in laws would like to think that their daughter was trying to commit suicide because of the divorce and custody fight,” he explained. “But it was just plain old drunk driving.”
“And so you promised Molly and Casey that you wouldn’t drink,” Abby nodded slowly and then raised an eyebrow ever so slightly. “Ever?” Scott laughed at the frown on her face.
“At least not when they are around to check up on me,” he chuckled and winked.
“Oh my god, Abby,” Susan pressed her hands on Abby’s shoulders as she hurried back to the table from the ladies room. “Listen to this one!” Abby listened to the music playing and then grinned as she looked up at Susan.
“Thriller!” they cried together.
“Do you remember it?” Susan‘s eye brows raised. Abby nodded and stood up as Susan tugged on her hand. She shrugged happily as they passed Luka and moved onto the dance floor. Scott watched them for a moment and then stood up. He nudged Luka.
“It doesn’t look that hard,” he said. Luka chuckled and held his hand up in protest.
“That kind of dancing, I don’t do,” he said. Scott shrugged and made his way through the dancers to Susan. She grinned as he stepped in line beside her and joined the routine. Luka watched them and sat down at their table. He lifted the beer bottle to his lips.
They were out of breath by the time the music had finished and they made their way back to the table. Abby dropped into her chair and took a deep sip from her glass. Luka reached out to caress the curling tendrils of hair that had loosened from the knot on the back of her head. She grinned at him. He looked up as the music started again. This time it was a slower song. He stood up and Abby grimaced as he pulled her to her feet again. He wrapped his arms around her as they moved to the dance floor. Scott glanced hopefully at Susan.
“You’re kidding, right?” she gasped as she leaned back in her chair, still a bit out of breath. He grinned.
“Let’s take a walk,” he suggested and tipped his head toward the doors that opened onto a balcony. She nodded and they took their drinks with them. Susan leaned against the balcony rail and looked out over the quiet lake and the bright, busy activity of the Boardwalk shoreline.
“It’s beautiful out here,” she sighed as she took a sip from her beer. Scott nodded and looked up at the clear sky. Susan nudged him as the beams of light from Epcot’s light show started in the distance.
“Do you think the girls are having a good time?” she asked.
“I know they are,” he nodded. “Your niece and her friend have been my life savers this weekend. I don’t know what I would have done without them.”
“Team work,” Susan laughed. “Works every time!”
“One more day,” Scott sighed heavily as he set his glass on the rail. “Then its back to reality and work, school projects, homework…..”
“Oh, don’t break the spell,” Susan groaned. “I want…this…to last as long as possible.” He turned to look at her.
“This?” He suppressed a smile. Susan grinned and nudged him again.
“You know,” she laughed. “Disney…magic.”
“Ahh…Mickey Mouse,” he said. “Happy, smiling people….”
“Maid service….clean sheets….restaurants for every meal….” she continued for him. Scott laughed and then shook his head. She grinned looked back down at the people on the sidewalk below them.
“What about…this?” he asked slowly. “Is it going to end too?”
“Has it started?“ Susan turned to him in feigned surprise. Scott grinned. She was almost glowing in that yellow sun dress. Susan rolled her eyes and grinned.
“Oh yeah, ” he sighed as he inched a little closer. She chuckled and pulled her head back a little as he drew her still closer. She murmured happily as his lips found hers and his arms snaked around her.
“Naw…I don’t think they are ready for something to eat just yet.” They broke apart at the sound of Luka’s voice.
“Well, maybe I’m not either,” Abby laughed. “Want to join them for a while?” Scott and Susan groaned softly in embarrassment, their foreheads touching.
“Sounds good to me,” Luka growled. Abby gasped in surprise as he lifted her off her feet and soundly kissed her.
Fireworks exploded in the sky above them.
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Post by suzanne on Aug 5, 2011 5:20:55 GMT 10
Yay more updates!! Looking forward to reading more!! ;D
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Post by larue on Aug 6, 2011 9:28:47 GMT 10
Heather leaned back against the back of her chair in the food court of the Port Orleans hotel and gazed at him in stunned surprise.
“No plan for today?” she gasped. “But you always have a plan.” Susie leaned forward beside her and stared at Luka in feigned alarm.
“How are we going to know what to do with our selves,” she murmured. Luka snorted and tossed a cherry in her direction. Susie giggled as the cherry bounced off her nose and hit the center of the table. It rolled toward Lauren who reached out to grab it and popped it in her mouth.
“It’s our last day,” Luka sighed. “I just thought we should take a vote and see what people want to do. It‘s the…American way…right?” Susie and Heather looked at each other and then shrugged.
“So I think we should go around the table and see what people enjoyed the most or something that they want to do again.” Luka lifted Lauren out of her booster seat to his lap.
“Let’s start with you,” he said. “What do you want to ride again?”
“The tea cups,” Lauren said and Luka nodded his head.
“Okay,” he said. “That’s in the Magic Kingdom. And what about you….” Lauren tugged on his shirt.
“I wasn’t finished,” she said. “I want to go on the Petah Pan ride and the flying Dumbo and Aladdin’s Flying Cawpets and….” Luka dipped his head and pressed a kiss to the top of her’s.
“Okay, draga,” he said. “It’s someone else’s turn now.” Lauren slumped in disappointment. Luka turned to Abby.
“And you?’ he asked. Abby frowned in thought and jostled the baby on her lap.
“I think…….” she mused. “Buzz Lightyear’s Space Spin thing.”
“Me too, Mommy!” Lauren squealed and bounced in her dad’s lap. Luka grimaced and settled her on his knees. Abby looked across the table at Henry.
“Your turn,” she said. The older man nodded.
“Probably the Pirates of the Caribbean,” he said. “That’s in the Magic Kingdom.”
“But you said you liked the stuff at Epcot,” Susie protested. “It doesn’t have to be something at the Magic Kingdom.”
“No…..he asked what I wanted to do over. I want to do the pirate ride and maybe see the Hall of Presidents again,” Henry nodded thoughtfully. He nudged Scott.
“That’s easy,” Scott sighed as he winked at his younger daughter. “Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain Canyon and Splash Mountain.”
“And It’s a Small World,” Casey added with a shy grin. Scott wrapped an arm around her shoulders and hugged her.
“That’s such a lame ride,” Molly groaned as she dropped her napkin onto her almost empty plate of pancakes and syrup.
“That’s your opinion,” Casey retorted.
“That’s a fact,” Molly replied sharply.
“Okay, Molly,” Luka interrupted the argument. “What is it that you want to do again.”
“Well, I want to go to Universal to Harry Potter World like we planned to do today,” she said with a glare toward her dad.
“We’re going tomorrow,” Scott replied mildly. “What’s your choice, Heather?”
“I think….” Heather started.
“I don’t see why we have to change our plans because of her,” Molly retorted. She looked around. “Where is she anyway?”
“Aunt Susan and Cosmo left early this morning on some kind of mystery trip,” Susie said as she started gathering up plates and silver ware for the trash bin. “I am supposed to text her about where they should meet us this morning.” Molly’s head swung toward her father.
“See?” she spit. “She doesn’t care about us like you think she does.”
“That’s enough, Molly,” Scott replied calmly as he wiped a line of sweat from his brow. “One more word and you’ll be in the hotel room for the day.”
“That’s fine with me,” Molly crossed her arms and slumped in her seat.
“But Daddy,” Casey protested. "I want to go!” Scott sighed and glanced across the table at Abby buckling Declan into the baby carrier.
“No….” Scott said slowly. “You are going to go with us today, Molly. You are going to be Dr. Kovac’s baby assistant. You get to sit on the benches and hold Declan so Abby and Luka can go on any ride that they want to.”
“What!” Molly cried.
“What?” Abby’s eyes widened and she looked at Scott in dismay.
“Oh, it’ll be fine,” Scott said as he slapped his hands onto the table in determination and stood up. “Come along, sweetheart. We need to put some diapers and wipes and stuff in your pack because I have a feeling you’re going to need them today.” He pulled Molly firmly from her chair and Casey followed them as they left the food court toward their rooms. Henry chuckled in delight.
“I gotta say it,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “I do like that man.” He chuckled again and settled his hat on his head as he stood up.
“I’ll meet you at the bus station,” he said and went in the other direction.
“Luka….” Abby cried softly in panic.
“Let Scott handle it,” he replied calmly as he wiped syrup off Lauren’s face with a napkin and stood up with her in his arms. Abby finished buckling the baby carrier.
“You do realize that we are likely to come out and find him in a trash bin, right?” she muttered. Luka laughed and tossed a giggling Lauren over his shoulder. Abby stood up with a protective arm under the baby’s bottom.
“Or she might sell him to someone just standing in line……” she kept talking as she followed Luka, …”or slip him into someone else’s stroller when we‘re not looking.” Her voice faded as they disappeared through the door.
Susie watched them go and then turned to look at Heather.
“No one even asked me what I wanted to do today,” she frowned.
“Me neither,” Heather pouted playfully. Their eyes went back to the breakfast mess on the table in front of them.
“Do you think they kind of take us for granted?” She sagged in her seat.
“Mmmm hmmmm,” Heather nodded. The two teenagers sighed and stood up to clear the table.
“The Magic Kingdom sounds okay to me though,” Heather said as she dumped a stack of dirty plates into a nearby trash receptacle.
“Me too,” Susie sighed as she pitched plastic ware into a recycling bin. She out her hand on her hip.
“Besides, I want to see how this thing with the kid plays out,” she grinned. Heather adjusted the sun glasses on her head and nodded.
Susan and Cosmo were waiting for them on a bench just under the railroad depot bridge at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. As soon as he saw them, Cosmo leaped off the bench and bounced forward.
“We rode on the monorail four times!” he shouted gleefully. “We went all the way around!”
“Awesome!” Susie picked him up and swung him around. Scott approached as Susan gathered her things and stood up.
“Did you get to ride in the front car?” he asked. Susan took a deep breath and slipped her sun glasses on.
“Twice,” she said with a grin. “And I am okay!” She frowned a little as she watched Abby tucking things into the rented stroller and watching Molly with a wary eye. Molly was ignoring all of them from a distance. Scott followed her gaze.
“What’s going on?” Susan asked. He shrugged his shoulders and took her hand in his.
“I made Molly the official baby wrangler today because of her snitty attitude and Abby is afraid she is going to sell him to gypsies where we’re not looking,” he explained.
“What?” Susan laughed as she looked at him in surprise. Scott shook his head.
“It’s a long story,” he sighed. “Come on. There are good times to be had and its our last day here together.” She grinned as their linked fingers tightened and they joined the rest of the family.
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Post by suzanne on Aug 6, 2011 19:30:36 GMT 10
Loved the update!! Can't wait to see what happens next, update again soon!! ;D
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Post by Martine on Aug 7, 2011 5:21:54 GMT 10
I'm glad I'm finally all caught up again on the story. Love it!
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