OneSixthAvenue

Getting Ready For Baby...(S11-E4)

2025-05-27T12:45:00.001-05:00

It's the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Laura has had the house to herself the entire day today. Since the boys did not have school this week due to the upcoming holiday, Luke offered to take them with him to work today and give Laura a little break. Luke hired two new employees in recent months and now possibly a third one soon. Business has been really good since Luke has now become somewhat of a local celebrity via his connections with Rufus. So the Record shop has been booming with business and people are beginning to get their Christmas shopping started early this year.

It's late afternoon now and Laura decides to sort through the last few bins of baby items before Luke gets home with the boys. Little by little this month they have been getting ready for the new baby with Laura's due date approaching they want to make sure they are all ready. She only has a a few more weeks to go. Laura wanted a new crib, but everything else is hand me downs from the other two.

Laura fills the drawers and some baskets with the last remaining items while her mind ponders what this new baby will be like. What will they look like? Whose personality will they favor?....After a whirlwind year of drama with Luke, tacking on this pregnancy was a lot for the whole family to take in, she can only hope that this baby will forever solidify things between her and Luke. The pair has been consistent with couples counseling and the work has paid off so far. Luke has been way more present and way more open with her especially now that Rufus is a permanent part of their lives.

As her mind drifts off to think about Rufus she remembers her family is spending Thanksgiving with her and Ruby this year. She gets stressed just thinking about it. Over these last 9 years that her and Luke have been together Laura has never spent much time with Rufus she mostly only knows what others tell her about her.

She thinks well at least my sister will be there. She will help her handle Rufus. Laura does not know if she has the energy to at this point of the pregnancy. This time around it has been a bit difficult and she is more than ready to have this baby.

While Laura sits there and continues to ponder in silence she suddenly hears the boy's voices barreling up the stairway as Luke's deep voice follows reminding them to not run in the house. Then she hears Luke's boots coming up the stairs and into the hallway. The door creaks open and Laura turns her head. "Hey!" She says with a smile. "The boys have fun with you today?"

Luke nods, "Yeah...they did good. Helped out at the shop and I took them to get pizza for lunch." Luke says as he leans in the doorway. "How you feeling?"

"Okay, just tired...I just finished putting away the last few baby items. Those bins behind me can go in the attic now when you get a chance."

"Okay.", Luke replies. "I'll take care of it after dinner. You need me to order us some food so you don't have to cook tonight?"

Laura moans realizing she forgot to plan a meal for today. "Ugh, yeah...I forgot to prep dinner today. Are the boys in the other room?", she asks not hearing them at the moment.

Luke nods, "Yeah, they're playing quietly..." Then he walks over to her sensing she is tired and stressed. He is well aware how much this pregnancy has wore her down.

"It's okay babe you don't need to worry about them or dinner tonight. I got it handled." He assures her and leans over to kiss her. "What do you want to order? Craving anything?" He asks her as he stands back up to face her.

"Um, I dunno." Laura mutters softly, lately she has not been herself. "Something simple is fine. Some fried chicken sounds good." She says feeling more hungry now that she thinks about it.

"What's wrong babe?" Luke says to her with concern. "You stressed about Thursday?

Laura sighs, "I dunno. This pregnancy just has my hormones all over the place lately, and I'm definitely feeling stressed about thanksgiving dinner."

"You wanna cancel it? Just have dinner with your sister and Benjamin?" Luke suggest. "We can, it's no big deal."

Laura shakes her head with a scoff, "Absolutely not and let Rufus think she has gotten to me already? No, no way. I can't do that."

"Just let me handle, Rufus...I'll call her and cancel. No big deal. She'll get over it." Luke insists.

"No! She needs to see we are a family and get it through her thick skull that you and her are over." Laura replies. "Like I wanted to do so many years ago..."

"Babe you know it's not like that. You know I am not in love with her. She is not going to come between us." Luke says a little frustrated. He has repeated these lines so much over the years. He knows this is a very weak spot in their relationship and honestly he really can't blame Laura for feeling insecure about it.

Laura sighs and turns her head to look out the window, "I'm not worried about that..." she mutters. "I'm worried about how all this will affect our children. Our lives are changing now that Rufus is in it. Your business is changing, which is good I can't complain about that." She pauses briefly, "It's a lot to take in being put on this small pedestal for others to see. We can't even go out in public as a family now. People recognize you."

"Babe. People recognized me before all this too!", Luke reminds her. "This rock 'n roll lifestyle is a part of me. You know that I can't just give it up."

"I know. I don't expect you to. I love that about you. It's just all so much to take in, Luke.", She pauses for a moment. "Between all the life changes and this pregnancy. I just feel emotionally drained lately." She says as her voice cracks with emotion.

"I know you do, but things will get better. Soon the baby will be here and we'll find our rhythm again as a family of five. Just take it one day at a time babe..." Luke reminds her. "C'mere..." Then he leans forward and holds out his hands offering to help her up.

Laura reaches for his arms and lets him pull her up off the rocking chair and into the loving warmth of his embrace. "You and the boys come first babe...We can cancel Thanksgiving this year it will be okay if you do." Luke reiterates. He knows Laura loves to host family gatherings she is a southern girl born and raised entertaining family with good food and good memories is in her blood. She does not like to cancel.

"No...I'll be okay. We have to get through this not matter what. We can't keep avoiding the inevitable with Rufus.", Laura says doubling down on insisting they go forward with Thanksgiving."I know it won't be easy, but I'm honestly a little excited to see Ruby."

Luke smiles and nods, "Okay babe, if that is what you want, but the offer is there if you change your mind. I have no problem calling and canceling." Laura nods in response then Luke reaches up and cups his hands around her face, looking into her green eyes as they stare up at him meeting his dark brown eyes. "I love you so fucking much babe. You have no fucking idea how grateful I am to be here with you and the boys right now."

"I know..." Laura replies feeling the same sentiment, her voice still a little emotional as they stay in each other's arms. "Because I feel the same Luke. I can't live without you. My world doesn't exist without you."

Hearing her say those words hits Luke hard knowing what their future could have been, he still has not totally explained that experience to Laura. All she knows is that he had a very vivid dream in a drunken stupor that night. Luke's voice catches in his throat as he feels choked up by the emotions that experience left on him. He never wants to put Laura and the boys through anything like that. "I know babe." His voice horse as he tilts her forehead to meet his lips kissing her softly. "I know."

Laura feels that calm, serene feeling when she is in his arms helping to relieve the current tension and anxiety. She steps in and cuddles up closer to him. "I've been thinking that maybe it's time to stop the marriage counseling. Life will be so busy once the baby is born." Laura says to him as her head is nestled into his chest his familiar scent hitting her senses as she closes her eyes and breathes him in.

"Okay...", Luke replies, surprised she is ready to give that up. "If you want to do that. We can always get your mom to watch the kids for an hour or two." Luke adds.

"Why? Do you think we should still keep going?" Laura asks him as they continue to stand there holding each other. They have been going for nearly 6 months.

"Um...maybe...yeah.", Luke admits. Even though he hates talking to someone else about their marital issues it has helped to teach him to better communicate his emotions with Laura.

Laura leans back and looks up at him, "Really? I...I'm surprised you say that..." she says a little shocked by it her eyes wide with a little curiosity.

Luke smiles, "I know, but I think it would be better if we do. Especially now that Rufus will be around more often. Don't you think?"

Laura bites into her lip realizing Luke makes a good point, "Yeah you're right. Maybe we can just take one month off after the baby is born then get back to counseling." Luke nods, but before he can respond Laura's phone begins to ring.

She grabs it out of her jeans back pocket and looks at the screen. "It's my sister..." Laura answers the call and sets the phone to her ear, "Hey sis, what's up?"

"I'm in labor...", Michele says quickly as she sits on her bedside.

"What? Really? You're sure?", Laura says a little surprised, but they all knew Michelle was due any day now. That day is today.

"Yes I'm sure." Michelle nods. "I called the doctor earlier. Benjamin is getting my things we're about to head out the door."

"Um...okay. Well I guess this means you'll miss all the drama at Thanksgiving this year.", Laura teases.

Michelle smiles into the phone and laughs a little, "Yeah looks like we will. Sorry to leave you hanging like that, but this girl is ready to make her debut." rubbing a hand across her belly as she feels another contraction. "In fact she's letting me know it right now."

"Are you having a contraction?", Laura asks.

"Yeah...They're fairly mild right now, but we're gonna go ahead and head out to the birthing center.", Michelle tells her sister.

"Okay. Do you still want me to be there?", Laura asks knowing they wanted to try and be there for each other since they were both having a baby so close together.

"If you can...yeah. I called mom. So she will be there too." Michelle then turns to look over at Benjamin. Who has been tasked with finding a certain shirt in Michelle's drawer before they leave. "Did you find it?"

"I think so.", Benjamin replies as he digs through the messy drawer. "There is so much crap in here no wonder you can't find anything!"

"I know it's in there the maid just washed it the other day.", Michelle says to him.

While Michelle is chatting with Benjamin Laura turns to Luke, "Michelle is in labor and she wants me to be there."

"Okay. How about I order dinner then you can eat, and I'll take care of the boys tonight.", Luke suggests.

"You sure?", Laura says knowing he can handle, but still never ceases to worry.

"Of course, babe...go be there for your sister.", Luke replies.

"Found it!", Benjamin turns and shouts for everyone to hear. "That damn bugger was hard to find in there darlin! You got way too much shit in there."

Michelle looks relieved because she is more than ready to get on the road now, "It's fine." waving off his comment. "Now pack it in my bag so we can go!" she demands.

Laura is getting a feeling that her sister might be a bit feisty when it comes to giving birth, and being in labor, "Hey, Michelle. I'm gonna eat some dinner then I'll meet y'all there okay?"

"Okay.", Michelle replies while Benjamin packs up her bag. As she feels the baby kick."Oh!", She blurts into the phone.

"Are they getting a little more intense?", Laura asks sensing her mood change over the phone.

"Um I think she kicked me...", Michelle says. "I dunno how you did this Laura." Michelle admits.

Laura smiles knowing her sister and how in control she likes to be, "You'll get through it...I promise. Just don't have that baby before I get there." she teases.

"I'll try.", Michelle says with a smile as Benjamin walks over to help her get up off the bed. "We're heading out now. I'll see you soon sis."

"Okay." Laura replies on the other line. "Don't give Benjamin too hard of a time. He loves you sis!", Laura reminds her.

Michelle smiles, "I'll try, but I can't make any promises..." Then ends the call with her sister.

"C'mon darlin' let's git going...." Benjamin says helping her off the bed. Michelle waddles off quickly to the door, as he follows behind her with her bag, reminding her to slow down. "Just be careful going down them stairs darlin. I'm gonna git you there."

"I'm pregnant not injured...", Michelle snaps a little as they stop at the door to their master bedroom. "I can handle walking down some stairs."

"Hey, don't snap at me...", Benjamin replies. "I'm just looking out for you here, that's all."

"I'm sorry...I just really want to get in the car and on the road.", Michelle admits. She is more nervous about this birth than Benjamin is.

"I know you do darlin...I'm gonna git you there.", Benjamin drawls as he assures her. "Let's just git down the stairs first and out the door."

Michelle nods then turns to exit their bedroom and slowly waddles down the stairs and out the door to their car.

To be continued!

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Thanksgiving Thursday...2019 Part 3 (S11-E3)

2025-04-27T12:00:00.001-05:00

After dinner everyone gathers upstairs on the third floor to hang out for a while before they all head out to go visit Santa later on. Amari of course stays in the kitchen and cleans up. Laura is in the bedroom resting. Rufus is the last one to come upstairs holding her glass of wine in hand she enters the room and looks around, "Nice digs you got here, Cooper." she observes walking over to sit on the couch with Shaun, who has a slightly fussy Leila in his arms.

"It's pretty nice up here, huh?", shaun says turning to look at Rufus.

Rufus nods, "I like the vibe, definitely inspiring me for some relaxed jam sessions in here." The musical part of Rufus' brain is popping off like fireworks right now with ideas of her own music space in a house here in New Orleans. The more she thinks about it the more she wants it. She is convinced now that this is the change the band needs to write their next album. "Can we barrow your room for our next album Cooper?" she half jokes.

"You still stuck on that idea?", Shaun says to her knowing full well how Rufus is once she has something in mind. She is not gonna let it go so easily.

Luke cannot help but chuckle being reminded of old times in California which already seem like a lifetime ago. He thought he could keep that life separate from this new one with Laura and their children, but it looks like they are quickly becoming one now. "C'mon Shaun you know how she is...You might as well fucking give into her now. I can see it in her eyes."

The kids on the other hand are not fazed one bit by the adults conversation. They are enjoying pretending to be in their own band at the moment. Phoenix strums away on his little ukulele, while Ruby shakes some maracas that Luke gave her to check out and a somewhat tired Phineas sits on Luke's lap attempting to sing into the microphone.

Rufus sips her wine and smirks over at Luke, "Glad to see, you still know me well." Then she turns her attention to Leila who is trying to climb across Shuan's lap over to Rufus. She loves the necklace that is strung around her neck.

"Pretty!". exclaims Leila in her tiny voice as her hand reaches out toward the necklace. This girl is quite the diva being an only child to a rock star. Shaun may spoil her a bit too much sometimes, but so does momma.

Rufus looks down at Leila with a smile, "Cool huh?"

Ruby, who is a lot like her mother, instantly gets jealous of the attention. She walks over to show her mother the maracas shaking them in her face. "Look what daddy gave me momma!" she says loudly over the sound of the room.

Rufus instinctively curls away from the loud sound as Ruby rattles them so closely to her face, "Ruby! Remember your manners!" She snaps.

"These are cool too right?", Ruby insists as she shakes them in the air and wiggles her body to the rhythm of the maracas. "I could be a singer like you!"

Rufus forces a smile, "Yeah you could...Now could you shake those things a little farther away?"

"Why?", Ruby snaps back with some attitude. "You don't like my music?"

"No..." Rufus stammers she is not used to parenting Ruby for so long. Margaret is usually here to help out. "I...do...it's..."

"Hey Ruby..." Shaun steps in. "How about you show Leila how to use those? She likes them too."

"Okay!", Ruby says with a big smile.

While Rufus tries to parent Ruby, Luke is having to get after Phoenix who is trying to play with the old amp that he knows he is not supposed to touch. "Hey, you know you're not supposed to be messing with that..."Luke reminds him.

"I want to turn the music up..." Phoenix explains to his dad as he fiddles with one of the knobs.

"You can't you're playing acoustic...That means you can't plug it in." Luke explains, but that still does not deter Phoenix's stubborn nature and imagination.

Phoenix looks up at his dad, "I know! I just pretend..." He explains hoping dad will let it slide.

"No...You know you're not supposed to touch that one. I've told you before. That's a vey old piece Phoenix." Luke doubles down knowing exactly what his son is trying to do.

"But I just pretend. It's not real..."Phoenix gestures as he tries to show his dad what he is doing by pretending to turn the dial.

"Phoenix, stop it! You know that piece is off limits. Don't push it, son...", Luke warns him and Phoenix knows he now needs to stop insisting. This kid likes to test your limits as a parent. Much like Ruby does with Rufus, but for her it's different having relied on Margaret most of the time to the so discipline and parenting.

All the while Luke deals with Phoenix, across the room the others are being entertained by Leila and Ruby. Ruby shares one of the maracas with Leila and is now calmed down enough after rattling her mothers nerves with those things...

"Oh my gosh did you see what Rolling Stone magazine said about Cassandra Vale?", Rufus asks the guys recalling the image of the new and upcoming pop rock star on the cover of the magazine.

"No...What did they say?", Shaun asks with curiosity. He likes to avoid the news when he is on break.

"Cassandra Vale? Is she that boho, hippie singer all the chicks dig right now?", Luke asks a little unfamiliar with her music. He knows Laura has listened to her music and liked it. She appeals to women more with her style of love songs, kinda like Lana del Rey.

Rufus nods, "Yes her!...They compared her to me! Saying she gives old school Rufus Blue vibes, but with a new funky twist." she rolls her eyes as she recalls what she read. "I dunno why people think she is like me! She is no where near as good in vocal range, and my style is still relevant!"

"You should take it as a compliment...It means you've inspired younger artists with your style." Luke says to her.

"Younger?! I'm not that old...", Rufus snaps.

Luke shrugs it off, "Get the fuck over it...You've been in the business for over 20 years now...You know there is gonna be new talent that will be inspired by you."

"That's my point! She is not that talented..", Rufus digs in deeper. "They're comparing me to a talentless girl with a pretty face."

"Have you listened to any of her music?", Luke asks, thinking she probably hasn't, heck he barely has too some of this new music just does not appeal to him like the stuff from ten or twenty years ago.

Rufus shrugs, "Mm sort of...I dunno it's just...I."

Then Ruby blurts out after listening to their conversation, "I listen to her music!..."

And Rufus just snaps, "Shut up! No you don't you have no idea who I'm talking about!" Ruby turns and runs to Luke for comfort while Shaun tries to calm down a flustered Rufus.

"Ru, it's just people talking trash. Don't let it get to you.", Shaun says to her hoping this does not set the tone for the remainder of the evening.

"No I know, but this is why I want to move down here. We need a new edge Shaun. You know I'm right...Aksel said he is cool with it. We just have to convince Kyu."

"Okay...okay I see your point. Let's move down here for the summer and write the next album.", Shaun concedes. Knowing he wouldn't mind being closer to Leila and Amari for an entire summer. This would give them more time to figure things out.

Rufus practically squeals in delight, "Really?!" And Shaun nods yes again. "Fantastic! This is gonna be such a great place to write music! I already have a few ideas."

Meanwhile Luke consoles Ruby, who was only trying to be apart of the adults conversation. "It's okay." Luke says softly as he kisses the top of her head. "Your mom is just a little upset she didn't mean to snap at you."

"I like Cassandra.", Ruby mumbles into his chest

"You know who she is?", Luke asks a little confused.

Ruby leans back and looks up at him. "Yes, some of my friends at school like her music. She's very popular."

"Oh! I see...", Luke suddenly realizes that Ruby is definitely at that age where music is becoming a part of her social life at school.

Shaun realizes too he needs to be here a little more often to help mitigate things between Luke and Rufus. "Okay! Well it looks like the band is moving down here this summer to write our next album." Shaun says as he looks over at Luke.

"Really?! just like that it's decided?" Luke says looking over to Shaun. "You're gonna give in to her that easily?"

"C'mon man...You know she is right we need a new edge for this next album."Shaun admits. "And I think it would be good for all of us to coexist together this summer get closer as a family."

Rufus sits quietly and lets the two men hash it out for a moment. "I don't need a fucking babysitter..." Luke snaps a little. "I can handle things just fine."

Shaun nods, "Oh yeah? I think the two of you do! Laura is about to have a baby you're gonna have your hands full this summer we all need to help each other out."

Rufus stands up, "Shaun is right. We need to stick together Luke."

Luke kinds scoffs, but tries to hold back knowing there are in kids in the room, "Oh c'mon...Don't act like you care now." He says looking over at Rufus. "If you want to bring the band here to work on the album that's fine just don't act like you're doing me a fucking favor."

"We need someone to mediate between us sometimes, and Shaun is some one that knows us both well enough...I'm trying be an adult here Luke. I'm trying to do the right thing for Ruby..." Rufus flails getting frustrated with Luke. These two may need a break from each other soon.

Rufus pauses then notices Luke's old guitar tucked into the corner by his desk, "I can't believe you still have this." she says running her fingers along the neck of the guitar while she recalls all the late nights they were up jamming to music with each other. She definitely really misses that part of their relationship.

"Of course, she's a good guitar been with me through everything...", Luke says setting his beer bottle down on the desk.

"Can you play us our old song?", Rufus requests.

"Right now?", Luke asks feeling caught off guard by her random request of a song he hasn't played in years.

"Yes or course right now...It'll be fun I'll sing along with you.", she smiles as she sips her wine.

Luke sighs, "I dunno..."

"What? You don't remember our song Cooper?", she pouts, teasing him.

"Yeah...Of course I remember it."

"I can sing a song!", Ruby shouts into the microphone. "Lalalalala!"

"Ruby! Stop!", Rufus says to her. "Come over here sweetheart and sing with me. Daddy can play the guitar. Right Luke?" She says as she looks at Luke again to see his reaction.

"Oaky!", Ruby quickly replies. Luke sits there speechless for a moment. He is still not used to Rufus and Ruby referring to him that way.

"Yeah let's hear you play man...It's been a while." Shaun says as he gets up and crosses the room to be with the rest of the group.

So Luke grabs his guitar and begins to strum finding the right tune for their old song. Suddenly filling the room with the soft strumming sounds. Rufus waits and finds her cue and starts singing.

"In the shadows I was lost...

But then you came a shining light.

Your music touched me to my core,

And pulled me from the endless night!

You're my savior, my guiding star,

You've saved me from the dark.

Together we'll face the world,

with music as our spark..."

"We'll dance through the echos, hand in hand

with every note, together we'll stand

In perfect harmony, our hearts entwined,

In this symphony of love, our souls aligned.

Strumming cords beneath the moon,

your laughter weaves a sweet refrain.

With every lyric, our hearts attune,

In this duet, we'll break every chain."

"In the quiet moments, I hear our song,

A melody of dreams where I belong.

With every heartbeat, feel the beat,

Together we'll rise, can't accept defeat.

We'll dance through the echos, hand in hand

with every note, together we'll stand

In perfect harmony, our hearts entwined,

In this symphony of love, our souls aligned."

"So let the world listen as we play,

Two hearts in rhythm, come what may.

With music as our bond, we'll never part,

Forever together, a song from the heart."

After the song ends Ruby wraps her arms around her mother, "You sing so pretty mommy!"

"Thank you sweetheart. You like me and daddy's special song?"

Ruby nods an enthusiastic yes, "It's so pretty! I like it so much more than Cassandra Vale!"

"Look uncle Shaun, I can play the song too!", Phoenix says to him showing him his guitar skills.

"That's really good little man, Your dad has been teaching you well.", Shaun says with a smile.

"I'm glad you still remember our song Cooper.", Rufus says with very satisfied smile.

"Yeah I'm sure you are...I think I'm gonna go check on Laura see how she's feeling." He says quickly changing the subject.

Rufus nods suddenly feeling sad, knowing they don't have that connection anymore, but she also knows it's for the best, "Okay...We'll stay up here with the kids. It will be time to go soon anyways."

Luke nods then heads to the second floor to check in on Laura, who has been napping after working so hard on Thanksgiving dinner. Her feet are sore, her back hurts, and she is so ready to have this baby. Only a few more weeks to go.

Luke quietly opens the door and peeks into their bedroom, "Hey, you awake?"

"Yeah...", Laura replies as Luke opens the door wider.

"I think we're all getting ready go see Santa.", Luke reminds her. "You feel up to it?"

"It's fine...I think the nap helped. How are the boys?" Laura asks.

They're fine. Kids are playing upstairs and excited to see Santa."

"Who's up there with them now?", Laura asks.

"Shaun and Rufus are up there with them. Mari is still in the kitchen cleaning up."

Laura still looks tired this pregnancy has been a little harder than the last one, plus it has been a stressful year on top of that. "Still? I should go downstairs and help her finish up." she says.

Luke closes the door, "Babe if you don't want to go then we'll stay home. We can take the boys to see Santa tomorrow. I'm sorry if Rufus upset you earlier."

"No...It's okay. We can't skip out on this first big gesture of Rufus' doing...We have to go. I just wish this was all a bad dream, having to deal with her right now." Laura says as she closes her eyes.

Luke walks across the room and sits, "Babe you don't need to compete with Rufus. All this shit is my fault anyways. Rufus wouldn't be in our lives right now if I had never asked for her help."

Laura rolls over and sits up in bed, "I know." She says softly. "It's okay. I'm okay with it. The boys are okay with it...and Ruby too. They love having her around."

Luke softly smiles, "You really like Ruby don't you?"

Laura nods, "I do. It's nice to have a girl in the family even if she is Rufus's child. She is a great kid. I can't fault her for her mother's insanity."

"What if this one is a girl?", Luke says softly rubbing her big round belly.

Laura smiles, "Then we'll have two!" she says with excitement and Luke can't help, but smile back at her enthusiasm knowing full well he does not deserve to be married to the sweetest, kindest woman ever. It has taken them awhile to get back to the way things used to be, and they are almost there.

Then suddenly Laura smacks the top of her forehead in frustration, "Oh crap!"

"What?!", Luke says in a panic picking up on her stress.

Laura groans in frustration, knowing she forgot something, she has just been so busy with the meal planning for today that she totally forgot. "I forgot to get a gift for my sister and the new baby."

"You still have time. She just had the baby a few days ago.", Luke tries to assure her.

"I know, but I could go into labor soon and I want to get the gift and see her before that. I had planned to do it this week and forgot. I was just so busy cooking for this meal." she says with disappointment. "And I still can't decided on baby names..." she mumbles feeling a little overwhelmed.

Luke reaches across the bed, "I thought you had some picked out?" he replies grabbing the splayed out baby book that Laura has been looking at.

"I do.", Laura replies. "But I just can't decide."

Luke sits and flips through the pages where Laura has been looking. She has also highlighted some names she has chosen. "We'll figure it out. I think any one of these names will be a good choice. We just need to wait now until the baby is born.

"You think so?", Laura asks him a little unsure and stressed out. Laura always likes to have things planned out but this time around she decided to wait till the baby was born to know if it was a boy or girl. Now the suspense has her a bit flustered.

"Yeah of course I think once we see him or her we'll know what name to pick. It'll be okay babe."

Laura sighs, "Yeah I'm just over thinking it all too much. So how are things with Rufus? Is she behaving herself while I'm not around?"

"Fine.", Luke quickly replies.

"That's it? Just fine? She didn't cause any drama or anything?", Laura can see he is holding back a little.

"Babe I came in here to check on you, not talk about her." Luke stalls.

"I'm just curios...", Laura admits.

Luke then leans in, "You sure about that?" he teases leaning in farther over her belly to try and kiss her.

"C'mon just tell me what it was...", Laura presses.

"She had me play our old song so she could sing along to it for Ruby.", Luke finally tells her.

"A song? What song?", Laura says as she pushes him back.

"It's just an old song Rufus and I wrote together a very long time ago."

"You never told me about this...", Laura replies a little frustrated.

"It's just a stupid song babe. Honestly, I forgot all about it until she brought it up...", Luke says to her.

"How can you forget about a song that you wrote with your rockstar ex-girlfriend?", Laura snaps not believing him.

Luke sighs, "Because I don't want to remember those things when I'm with you. I love you baby."

"But I need to know these things Luke so I'm not blind sided by her one day.", Laura explains. "You know that."

"Yes, but that shit is in my past and that's where I'd prefer it to stay." He says as he leans over her again to kiss her softly. This time Laura does not stop him as her lips softly press against his. The familiar gesture warm and comforting.

This time Laura does not stop him as her lips softly press against his. The familiar gesture warm and comforting. "Mm..." she moans softly feeling the warm fuzzy feeling Luke never fails to give her.

Luke rolls onto his side to face Laura, "Is he kicking?" Luke asks placing a hand on her belly.

"Yes...SHE or HE is kicking." Laura smiles as she guides his hand across her belly."

Luke smiles as he feels the movement, "Oh yeah there it is! Shit! This one must be a drummer." Luke jokes. "With all that kicking..."

"Or an athlete...This baby by far has moved the most. Sometimes the kicking wakes me up from a dead sleep!" Laura says to him as they lay there face to face. "I'm just so ready to be done with this pregnancy."

Luke smiles at her, "I know you are babe, you're almost there."

"Which means you get to have that vasectomy afterwards.", she says to him, knowing he has been avoiding that conversation for months now.

"What if this baby is a boy?" Luke asks her. "You sure about that?"

Laura looks up at him, "Then it's a boy...I don't think I can go through this again. I'm happy with 3 kids and our house can't really fit much more than that."

"Fair point...Okay babe. If that's what you want then I'll get the vasectomy.", Luke finally agrees.

"Yeah?", Laura says with a smile. "That was easy..."

Luke pulls her in for a kiss on the forehead, "You know I'll do anything for you babe."

"I know.", she whispers softly. "I'm just so glad you're here with me. I couldn't do this without you."

"Me too babe, there is nowhere else I wanna be.", Luke whispers back recalling how emotional this last year has been and where they are now. He is so grateful to have a second chance with Laura and their children.

The two lay there quietly for a moment as they enjoy this moment in each other's arms, drifting closer and closer to each other. Pretty soon their lives will change again with another baby. Life will get even more busy as they learn to juggle all these new changes in their lives.

Then without warning the door suddenly swings open, catching the two in an intimate embrace."Rufus?" Luke shouts. "What the fuck?"

"I knocked, but I guess you didn't hear me.", she snaps back. "It's time to go, my driver is here to take us."

Phoenix and Phineas rush into the room shouting excited they get to go see Santa. "Santa! Santa!"

"Maybe next time knock a little louder?", Luke replies."

Rufus glares back at him, "Or maybe next time you lock your door."

Laura chooses to jump in seeing these two quarrel like two siblings, "Thank you Rufus we'll be downstairs in a few minutes. Oh! And lock the door on your way out."

Rufus nods and forces a friendly smile, "Fine, but we'll all be downstairs waiting." Then she turns on her heels and heads out the door.

Thankfully the remainder of the evening goes well and everyone gets to have their photo taken with Santa.

The End For Now...

See you all back here next month on Sunday May 25th

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Thanksgiving Thursday...2019 Part 2 (S11-E2)

2025-03-30T09:37:00.000-05:00

Picking up where we left off, Luke and Laura are hosting a small, intimate Thanksgiving dinner this year in their home, but the one thing that has everyone nervous is Rufus.

Everyone gathers round the table to take a seat as food is passed around and plates are filled with the delicious feast that Laura has worked so hard to prepare.

Rufus forks some food into her mouth slowly chewing the food as she savors the flavor. "Mm...", she says still slowly chewing. "This is good. So tender and juicy."

Laura sweetly smiles from across the table. "I'm glad you like it. It's an old family recipe."

"I should hire you as my personal chef...", Rufus touts and teases. "The one I have in Cali does not make southern food so good like this."

Laura brushes off the comment and continues to make small talk, "That's right you're from Texas." recalling Luke has told her that before about Rufus. She gets bits and pieces from him here and there over the years. But now she is gonna have to really get to know Rufus if they are going to make this new family dynamic work.

Rufus nods and mumbles a yes then turns her attention to Shaun who is sitting to her right. "Hey Shaun...", Rufus says with that wild look of inspiration in her eyes. "We should buy a house here for the band to stay in. That way we can all share it. Like we did in the old days..."

Shaun sighs, "I dunno Ru...That was a long time ago and we all got our own lives to live now."

"So what...We're still a band. I think we should do it." Rufus pushes back not giving up so easily "I think it would be great for us to spend the summer here, write our next Album like we did in the old house in Cali."

Laura groans ever so softly hearing what Rufus has to say on her thoughts of moving here, but Luke can still hear it. "You okay babe?"

"Oh, um yeah...I'm just tired. My back is killing me for one thing", she says as she looks over at him. "And this little one..." with a pat on her belly. "Keeps jabbing in the spine."

"Do you need to go lay down for a bit, it's okay if you do babe." Luke assures her knowing Laura will not want to ditch her guests to go rest, but she is nearly 9 months pregnant now, which means she is so close to giving birth to their third child.

"He's right.", says Amari. In fact you don't need to worry about the clean up, Cuz...I will take care of all of that. You've worked hard enough today making us all this delicious food to eat.", Amari says to Laura while they all continue to eat.

"Thank you Mari...That would be really wonderful.", replies Laura with a genuine smile. "I am definitely tired." Laura then turns her attention to Ruby who is sitting quietly at the table eating her food. "Ruby, you're so quiet today. Are you enjoying the food?"

Ruby looks up from her plate of food with a smile, "Yes, but can I go sit at the little table with my brothers?" She asks finding the conversation at the adult table to be very boring.

Laura blinks not used to hearing Ruby refer to her children as her brothers. "Oh um..." she pauses for a moment.

Luke steps in and answers her question, "Sure Ruby...You can go sit with your siblings." he says with a smile.

"Do you need help with your plate?", Laura asks.

Ruby smiles again, happy to leave the big boring table, "No, I got it!" she says with pep in her voice. So Ruby gathers her food and sits at the kids table that Laura setup in the living room not realizing she should have let Ruby sit there from the beginning.

While one half of the table was distracted by Ruby, hoping she did not drop her food on the way to the other table, Rufus is still debating with Shaun about buying a house. "Fine..." Blurts Rufus. "We'll let Luke settle it...Hey Luke!"

"Yeah." Luke replies as everyone's attention turns towards Rufus.

"You remember the old house in Cali, right?" She winks at him knowing full well he remembers that house. Laura tries to not roll her eyes at the suggestive comment.

"Why?", Luke says confused and also worried about where she might be going with this.

"I was telling Shaun that we should buy a house here so the band can use it to stay in while we write our next album." she smiles. "Like the old days, remember?"

"Oh!", Luke blurts with some relief. "I don't fucking care if that's what you want to do, then fine..." then Luke turns to look at Laura hoping she is okay with his answer. "Right babe?" The two are still working on their relationship and still going to couples therapy as well.

Laura rubs her belly and yawns, she is exhausted from getting up so early this morning to finish working on the food. "I guess. I mean New Orleans is a great place for music inspiration..." she replies as she turns to look over at Luke, not sure how she wants to respond to this sudden revelation, but knows she would like to keep things as drama free as she can right now. Technically she cannot stop Rufus from choosing to move here even though she would absolutely hate it.

"See Shaun...Even Laura is not opposed to it. Plus you have family here too." Rufus says as she continues to eat.

"Mari lives in Houston, not here.", Shaun counters as he looks over at Mari hoping she will back him up. Following Luke's lead. "Right Mari?"

Amari turns to look at Rufus, "I don't think it's a bad idea. Y'all been staying in Air B&B homes anyways when on tour so what's difference?"

"Exactly!", says Rufus. "At least someone here gets it..."

Shaun is completely surprised by Amari's reaction, "Seriously Mari? Why?"

"Stop whining Shaun...My mind is made up." Rufus demands then moves on to change the subject. "Everyone! I have an announcement! I figured since this is our first holiday season as a family that we could all go get family photos with Santa!", She says with excitement as she forks her food. "I paid for us to have a whole private session this evening!"

Laura is absolutely shocked by Rufus's grand gesture, she is not used to this though everyone else at the table is. Even Amari who has spent more time with Rufus these past few years when her and Leila come to visit Shaun on tour. "Oh...Wow! That's, that's really nice of you to do, Rufus."

Rufus smiles, "It's nothing really, but I wanted to contribute to this evenings festivities. A girl can't come empty handed." she adds. "Especially since you made this wonderful meal for all of us."

Laura smiles again across the table, "It's nothing really. I love cooking for my family." Laura adds already feeling that unspoken passive aggressive tone from Rufus.

"I know...I can see that." Rufus quips. "Not all of us are fortunate to have birthed multiple children to make up an entire family."

"Ru!!!", Shaun scolds her slamming his hands on the table, "C'mon don't be like that! It's thanksgiving for fucks sake!"

"Ignore her...", Luke says to Laura. "She is trying to get you to you."

Laura nods holding back her tongue on Rufus not wanting to feed into her insanity. "I know..." she says softly pushing food around on her plate suddenly not sure if she is hungry anymore. Luke was right about one thing Rufus is good at trying to drag you into her pit of drama and distain.

"I'm not trying to get to anyone." Rufus scoffs. "I'm just stating a fact!"

Laura picks up her fork like she is going to begin to eat again then puts it back down, "You know what I think I'm gonna go lie down for a bit like you suggested." she says looking over at Luke.

"Right now?", Luke says a little caught off guard knowing Laura really hates to have to dismiss herself for being the hostess of her own thanksgiving meal.

But can you blame her? Rufus is a piece of work and Laura needs a moment. Laura then begins to get up from her seat. Her back is sore and her body is tired. "Yes right now." she says pushing in her chair.

"Um...okay. Babe?", Luke pauses not sure what to say to Laura in front of everyone else. He knows how harsh Rufus can be and just when you think she is not harsh enough she doubles down.

"Luke..." Rufus cuts him off. "She's as big as a house. Let her go rest for now." Rufus blurts reverting to her judgmental, bossy nature instantly. Amari smacks her forehead and mumbles under her breath. "C'mon Mari you know I'm right..." Rufus snubs as she continues to eat like she is the queen making some kind of declaration.

"You can say it more tactfully, Ru...Remember we're guests in this house." Shaun says to her. "Fuck man!" he mumbles out hoping that this the end to the drama today and not the beginning.

"We're all family here, I'm sure Laura understands. I'm only looking out for her after all we will be busy later with my half of today's family gathering." Rufus admits showing her true colors to everyone in the room. Clearly someone is jealous of the hostess.

Luke gets up following Laura to the stairway. "Babe wait...You want me to come up with you? You need anything?"

"No. I'll be fine." Laura says with a forced smile stopping at the foot of the stairs. "I just need a little break, that's all. You stay down here with our guests. Make sure the boys eat before they're allowed to have dessert."

Later on while everyone has been upstairs in the music room after they all got their fill of thanksgiving feast, Amari has been downstairs cleaning up the kitchen. Shaun comes downstairs to check on her while the others continue to jam to some music upstairs. "Rewarding yourself with another glass of wine?", Shaun teases as he walks into the kitchen.

Amari takes another sip then sets her glass down onto the kitchen island. "I dunno how Laura does it all.", she says with a smirk, knowing her cousin has had a lot to deal with lately then on top of that manages to pull off a delicious home cooked meal for everyone. "How's Leila, is she still having fun?"

"She's fine.", Shaun replies as he walks around the kitchen island. "I came down here to see how you're doin'...I can't believe you sided with Rufus over me..."

Amari nods with a smirk, "Oh yeah?...I can't believe she paid for a private session with Santa. She always gotta be more extra than everybody else." Amari shakes her head in disbelief.

Shaun smiles back as he meets her around the other side of the island, "Yeah...You need any help?"

"No...I'm worried though she might need a nap before we go see Santa." she admits as she sips her wine again.

"Leila's fine. So should we take pics as a whole family with Santa?", Shaun asks her as he steps in closer.

Amari blinks as she looks up at him from her glass. "Is that what you want?", Amari asks him.

Shaun nods, "I think it would be a good memory for Leila. Don't you?"

"Hm...It would." Amari agrees. "What about us Shaun?", she asks with curiosity. Lately these two have been finding themselves drawn to each other again, but the moments have been subtle and fleeting.

"I dunno.", Shaun shrugs in admission. "But I do know I want to kiss you right now..." he says as he steps in closer.

Amari drops her wine glass from her lips and holds it between them, "Then kiss me..."

Amari bites into her lip in anticipation as she watches Shaun step in closer. She never stopped being attracted to him and neither did Shaun when it came to his feelings for Amari. However, sometimes people just need to grow up a little to realize what they are missing. Shaun dips his head down to meet hers, his mouth softly covering her wine laced lips in a slow passionate kiss. "Mm." Shaun mutters. "You taste good baby..." Softly licking her lips. Amari giggles maybe having a little too much wine this afternoon, then accidentally spills the remaining contents of her glass onto the front of his trousers.

Shaun jumps back then Amari gasps seeing the red stain right on the fly of his pants. "Oh, shit! I'm so sorry!" She immediately blurts her hand flying up to her mouth trying to hide another giggle.

"Ah fuck! I can't go see Santa with a red stain on my pants!", Shaun panics.

"You should wash that out before it stains."Amari says to him. Shaun walks off to the small half bath under the stairs that Luke and Laura had installed a few years ago when they remodeled the kitchen.

Amari gets a rag with some dish soap and follows him to the tiny bathroom. She steps inside and Shaun turns around to face her. "It's not coming out!" he says with panic.

"Relax, lemme help.", she says to him holding out the cloth she has in her hand. "Unzip your pants." she says looking down at his crotch. "We need to get the stain from the inside out."

Shaun unzips his fly and lets Amari get to work on the stain. "You sure this is gonna work?"

"It should." she says as she rubs the rag over the stain. Trying to avoid contact with other parts of his body, but not being too successful at it.

"Careful now..." Shaun smirks. "If I didn't know any better I'd think you might've done this on purpose." he teases as their eyes look up to meet each other's gaze.

"What if I did?" Amari teases him back. "You can't prove it."

"I don't have to, baby...I can already see that look in your eye." he says his voice dropping a little deeper as his eyes darken watching her watch him. The unspoken sexual tension has hit its peak. His hand reaches up and cups her backside squeezing gently. "I think I need you right now..." he growls.

Amari immediately drops the rag to the floor upon hearing those words, "I think the stains out." she says as her hand slides inside the fly of his trousers. "I need you right now too." she boldly admits.

(To read the entire unedited story you can find it on my

Patreon Page)

"You make me happy too. I just want us to be sure about what we're doing here. The sex was always good Shaun. I just don't want to get my heart broken again. And what about Leila? We have to put her first..." Amari reminds him knowing that they have to make sure that this time is for real, and not just some misguided fling between the two.

"I know...You're right. We need to be careful and take things slow this time, which means we better clean up, and get upstairs before someone comes looking for us.", Shaun suggests knowing these two still have a lot to figure out.

To be continued!

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