Strength Of The World

A few days later, Zack and Peyton were at the Smith residence, along with Brian, Michelle, and Jimmy. They were having family dinner with the Haners, something their families did together at least once a month since Peyton was 10. Peyton had begged her dad to grill her a steak, and she was currently scarfing down a perfectly cooked medium temperature ribeye with a twice baked potato and salad. She said nothing as she ate, and was focused on her food instead of the conversation around her. “So....you hungry there Peanut?” Brian Sr asked with a laugh. Peyton finally looked up from her plate and smiled sheepishly, “Sorry. I have been craving this all week. And yeah, I guess I am pretty hungry.” She said with a laugh. “You better save room for dessert, Suzy made her a peanut butter pie for you.” Brian Jr said, watching her eyes light up and look in Suzy’s direction. “Best adoptive mom ever!” She beamed while everyone at the table laughed. “So, have you guys thought of any baby names yet?” Daniel asked. “We’ve discussed a few, but haven’t set any in stone yet.” Zack explained. “We still have a while. Peyton would rather discuss the nursery instead of a name.” He cbuckled, placing a hand on her leg. “Oh! Have you started decorating yet?” Suzy asked excitedly. “I see dollar signs in her eyes.” Brian Sr moaned. “Shut up.” His wife laughed, swatting him on the arm. “I think we’re going to do vintage airplanes. I’ve seen a lot of really cute ideas online. We’re going to hang a huge map on one wall, and maybe a propeller with his name above the crib, whatever that may be.” Peyton explained. “I’m really excited about it, we start painting this week!” “Obviously she won’t be painting,” Zack added, “I hired a guy to come out and do it.” “I can’t wait to see the finished product, it sounds so cute!” Michelle said to Peyton, “We need to plan a shopping trip so Auntie Chell can spoil that baby.” “Yes! Let’s do that!” Peyton said excitedly while Zack and Brian Jr groaned. “Shut up you two.” Peyton scolded and went back to eating her supper.

After dinner, Peyton was trying to help the women clean up but they insisted they were fine without her and sent her into the den with the guys. She chuckled as she walked into the room, seeing both her biological dad and pseudo dad drunk. “Hey sweetheart, come sing some karaoke with your old man and me.” Papa Gates slurred, making her laugh. “You guys always make me sing Aerosmith though!” “That’s because you’re the only one who can get your voice that high.” Brian Jr laughed. For as long as Peyton could remember family dinners always included karaoke night, especially if her dad and Brian Sr were drinking. “Besides, you usually don’t mind.” “Yeah, that’s cause I’m usually as drunk as they are, Bri.” She said with an eye roll. “Hey, I’m not the one who took away your ability to drink,” her brother said, throwing his hands up, “that was all you and this big guy over here.” He said, nodding at Zack, who had a smirk on his face. “Whatever, so what are we singing?” She asked, looking at the two older men who cheered loudly when she agreed to do it. Daniel turned on Aerosmith’s “Crazy” and she sang along to every word. “Okay, now something fun.” Jimmy said with a laugh. “Come on Peanut, we’ll do this one together.” Peyton laughed as Guns N Roses’ “Welcome To The Jungle” started flowing through the speaker. Peyton and Jimmy have spent many a drunken night doing their Axl Rose impersonations and they were all coming out at this moment. Everyone in the den could not stop laughing, along with Peyton, who could barely sing the words right. When the song finished, she picked a song for Brian Sr. Any time she picked something for him it was usually always something ridiculous, and she definitely didn’t disappoint with Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back”, which Suzy came in and helped him sing halfway through the song. The rest of their night was filled with laughter and singing, and it was exactly what Peyton needed after the accident.

Unfortunately for her, the next day was Monday which meant she was going back to work after taking some time off after the attack from Jason in the parking lot. When she called her boss and asked to come back, she requested to only be part time, so she would be working 8am until 1pm every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Since she still didn’t have a vehicle, Zack was dropping her off and Lacey was picking her up. It was 1pm on the dot when she walked out the back door of the office and straight to Lacey’s waiting vehicle. They were headed to lunch and to do a little shopping. “How was your first day back?” Lacey asked her once they pulled out of the parking lot. “It was good. Made me a little anxious though. I have been constantly looking over my shoulder all day, just waiting for him to pop up.” Peyton sighed. “Maybe going back to work isn’t the best thing for you right now.” Lacey suggested, “Maybe you should just take it easy for the rest of your pregnancy, and then maybe go back to work after he’s born if that’s something you want to do.” Peyton nodded, thinking about what her friend said, “You know, that’s a good idea Lace. Looks like I’ll be having a talk with Zack tonight.” The two women had lunch at a local bistro and wandered through a couple of baby stores until Peyton remembered that she needed to grab a few groceries. “Would you mind stopping by the grocery store on the way to my place?” I need to pick up a few things.” On their way in, Peyton noticed a sign that said “free kittens”. “Oh my god, Lace. I NEED one!” Sh squealed, waking over to the box. “Peyton, Zack would kill you.” Her friend laughed, “I bet he wouldn’t! I’m gonna call him.” She picked out the cutest one in the box, a little orange and white male. Even though the sign said free, she still gave the woman who was getting rid of them some money for him. “Come on you little cutie,” Peyton said to the kitten, “Let’s get you some food and you can go meet your daddy.” Lacey just laughed at her friend’s antics and followed her into the store.

Once Peyton had her groceries and everything she needed for the kitten, Lacey dropped her off at home and helped her Bri g her things inside. Zack hadn’t come home from the studio yet, so it gave Peyton time to cook dinner. She made one of Zack’s favorite meals: lasagna with double meat and a salad. Dinner was ready and she was snuggling with the kitten when Zack got home. “Hey baby.” She greeted from the couch, smiling when he walked into the living room. “Hey beautiful. It sure does smell good in here.” He took a few steps toward her until he noticed the cat and stopped. “What’s that?” He questioned. “Uh, a kitten?” She said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Well I see that, Pey. I meant what’s it doing here?” “Welllllllllll,” She started, hearing him sigh. “I’m sorry babe! I went to the grocery store and there was this lady giving away free kittens and I saw him in the little box and I couldn’t leave him!” She blurted out, hoping Zack wasn’t too upset with her. “Please don’t be mad at me.” Zack chuckled and sat down beside her. “I’m not mad. I know how you are with animals. What’s his name?” “Franklin.” She smiled, “Lacey was with me when I got him, so I named him after her.” “I like that. It suits him.” He said, scratching the kitten behind his ears. “You want to go car shopping tomorrow? You can pick anything you want.” “Sure.” She shrugged nonchalantly, “Then we can go pick out nursery furniture!” “Yep. Car and baby shopping all in one day.” He said, giving her a quick peck on the lips. “Come on, baby mama. Let’s go eat. I’m starving.” After dinner, Peyton figured she should probably get started on a few wedding plans while Zack fiddled around downstairs in the studio. She had figured out what she wanted her dress to look like, and just had to discuss colors and a date with Zack before she could really start planning. After she was finished with planning what she could, she curled up in bed with the tv on and fell asleep snuggling with Franklin.

Notes