Strength Of The World

A few days had passed and it was Thanksgiving Day. Zack woke up in bed alone, but he knew exactly where Peyton was. He could smell the food and hear her singing along to the radio in the kitchen. She was preparing lunch for their families, and then later that evening they were going over to Matt and Val’s house for supper with the Avenged family. Zack got up and threw a pair of shorts on and brushed his teeth before heading to the kitchen. He smiled to himself when he made it downstairs. Peyton’s hair was pulled up in a messy bun, there were ingredients all over the counters, food cooking in pans, and she was singing along to The Eagles’ “Best of My Love” without a care in the world. “Whatcha got goin on in here baby?” He asked, finally letting her know he was awake. “Oh you know, just a little bit of everything. I’ve got the turkey in the top oven, working on the dressing. Then once the dressing is done the pecan pie will go in and I also have to make gravy. Your parents are bringing broccoli casserole and green beans, mine are bringing mashed potatoes and rolls. And I think your sister is bringing cookies.” She chuckled. “Damn. Sounds like we’re going to have enough food to feed an army.” Zack laughed, pulling her into his arms. “Have you had breakfast this morning?” “Not yet. I’m going to sit down as soon as I get the dressing in the oven.” She replied, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a quick kiss. “Oh and I have to make some desserts for Matt and Val’s house. I’m making your favorite cake.” She grinned up at him. “Mmm. German chocolate. I can’t wait. Get your dressing in the oven and I’ll run out and grab us some breakfast.” He said, kissing her one more time before heading for the door. “Love you babe!” He heard his fiancée shout before he walked out the front door with a huge smile.

A few hours later the food was all ready and Peyton had showered and gotten ready for their lunch. She straightened her hair and put on her normal makeup then dressed in a long sleeved red knee length dress with black booties. She stuck a pair of diamond studs in her ears, grabbed the bracelets Zack bought her and headed downstairs to see their family.

Lunch was full of laughs, corny dad jokes (from both of their dads), and excitement over finding out the gender of baby Baker. Zack, his dad, brother, and Peyton’s dad all think it will be a girl, where Peyton, her parents, and Zack’s mom and sister think it will be a boy. “If Peyton says it’s going to be a boy, then it will definitely be a boy.” Maria Baker told the other men. “Pregnant women just have this feeling. I don’t know how to explain it, but I was right every time with you three.” She explained to Zack, while Becky Smith nodded along with her. “I knew Peyton was a girl from the moment I found out I was pregnant.” “I’m still holding out hope for a girl.” Zack grinned, “I want her to be just like her mom.” “I guess we will find out around Christmas!” Peyton said excitedly. “Apparently they had our due date way way off.” She chuckled, “It’s actually the beginning of June. Apparently the baby was measuring really small before, but now we’re on the right track.” “Wow. That means I need to go shopping soon!” Becky said. “Becks, it’s only Thanksgiving.” Daniel Smith said with an eye roll. “You’ve got plenty of time to shop for the baby.” “Well, maybe I’ll find some good deals on baby gear while I’m out shopping tomorrow.” Becky said with a smile, turning to Peyton, “Anything in particular you guys want?” “I think we want gray furniture.” Peyton said, looking over at Zack who nodded in confirmation. “Grey furniture and gender neutral gear, like the play pen and car seat and shit.” Zack told the older woman. “Ohhhhhh uncle Zack you said a naughty word.” Zack’s four year old nice Gianna said while the adults laughed. “Sorry, munchkin.” Zack said, holding his hands up, “Won’t happen again.”

After lunch was over and the plates were cleared from the table, the men were sitting around having a beer and the women were cleaning up. Well, everyone but Peyton. Maria, Becky, and Zack’s sister Zina told Peyton to go rest and they would take care of the dishes. She was currently in Zack’s favorite recliner, with Zack’s nephew Gavin, who was only two months old, sound asleep on her chest and Gianna snuggled into her side. They were all stretched out watching The Little Mermaid, and when Zack came into the living room to check on them, they were all sound asleep. He chuckled to himself and watched them for a minute, mesmerized by just how perfect Peyton looks with a baby sleeping on her chest. She was a natural with his niece and nephew, and he couldn’t wait to see him with their kid.

Sometime later, Peyton and the kids woke up and their families all went home. Peyton was putting the finishing touches on the desserts for Matt and Val’s, and Zack was reloading the dishwasher. Soon they were both finished and they loaded up the Jeep and headed to Matt and Val’s for round two of Thanksgiving with the rest of their family.

Notes

I really wanted to make this just one chapter about Thanksgiving, but I’m having a hard time keeping my eyes open haha. Hopefully part two will be up soon and we can move on to other important things, like whether Jason is gonna return or not!

Also, I don’t know how old Zack’s niece and nephew are, and I’m pretty sure they’re “big kids” but this is fiction anyway!

i hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!