The Elaborate Parent Trap

Chapter Twenty - Nine

"She's good." Larry said to Janine as they watch Matt and Chris perform. "Like really, really good."

"That's what you pay me for!" Jannie smiled as the song was over and she snapped more photos.

Matt picked Chris up and spun her around, kissing her proudly of her performance. "Alright you two. Next is wardrobe!" Janine calls up to them. "We have this beautiful black wedding dress that would look so gorgeous on you babe!"

"I'll fight you. She's mine." Matt jokes holding Chris tightly to his chest as she laughs.

"Let's go try it on, gotta make sure it fits or Sandra will have to take it in a bit." Janine grins, trying to steal her away from Matt.

Chris gave him a quick kiss before following Janine to a dressing room and Matt checked his buzzing phone. Matt smiled the photo that Brian sent to him of the kids.

From: Bri

To: Matt

How's tiny doing? On the way back. Princess is cold and she want your A7X sweater before her mom steals this one as well lol

Matt: She's incredible Bri. You're gonna shit when you hear her. & Tell my princess I've got it in my bag, and she can have it.

Bri: That's exactly what princess said about Ewok lol and I'll let her know see you in about 10 minutes

Matt: See ya in a few

"I don't know Jannie you might be right Matt is going to pop a boner when he sees her." Sandra spoke truthfully as Chris came out, the dress fitting like a glove hugging all her curves just right.

Chris couldn't help but laugh, she knew the older women were kidding with her. "You think so?" Chris asks, looking in the mirror.

"Oh, we know so honey. Matt's never brought a girl to any shows or even introduced us to them and we've know the band 15 years plus. He's got it bad for you." Janine grins.

"Well besides the entitled twat." Sandra rolls her eyes. "But that doesn't count. They just argued." She waves off.

"Yeah, Val was a bitch, but she's gone now so there's that." Janine says giving Sandra a look the read 'shut it'.

Chris knew there was something she didn't know just by that look but didn't pry. If anyone wanted her to know they'd tell her, and she trusted Matt with her life, so she knew it wasn't anything detrimental to their relationship. Or at least she didn't think it would be...

"Yeah, Matt's told me a bit and so has River." Chris says softly, "I just want to be there for them and love them. Val is his past and River's so that's where she can stay." Chris says.

"You're already a better mother to that boy." Janine tells her gently.

"Thank you." Chris says softly. "I want him to feel as loved by me as Jade does... I may not have birthed him but... That's my son." Chris says in the confidence of these women.

Before long, it was time for the guys to head on stage. The first half of the show went by fast, the kids and Chris loved it, as always dancing and singing along. But all too soon, it was almost time for the last song, so Jenine came and got Chris. She left the kids with Brooks wife, Kelly who Chris had met the day before and adored the lady, so she was comfortable leaving Jade with her and obviously River.

Chris made her way into the dressing room, refusing to let her nerves take hold of her. She got changed and her hair was done perfectly along with her make-up JUST in time for her to be ushered side stage for her part. She stepped onto the stage, ignoring everyone else as she belted out that first line while Matt came to take her hand and guide her out. Matt's grin comforted her beyond any words, and she smiled and sang with him on que and in harmony while the guys exchanged odd looks. Zacky nearly missed his que for the reverend part he was so shocked. When the song came to a close, Chris walked off stage as the guys ended the show. Matt yelled his thank yous' to the crowd and told them he loved them, and River knew he could run out on stage now, so he took off running for his dad.

"THAT ROCKED DAD! Come on JJ!" River called her over the tiny blonde shook her head with nerves until Matt kneeled down and beckoned her over with that big grin.

"Can I mama?" She asked her mom who smiled down at her.

"Go on baby." Chris encouraged, and Jade went running out to Matt, leaping into his arms in a hug, when Matt crooked a finger in Chris's direction for her to come out too.

Chris took another deep breath and walked out toward Matt who leaned to kiss her, and the crowd roared with excitement. "I love you." He said against her lips. "You are fucken amazing baby girl. I'm proud of you."

"I love you too." She replies with a bright smile.

"A special thank you to my beautiful family for supporting us, and my beautiful girlfriend for her vocals on our last song. Have a good night, everyone!" Matt calls to the crowd before escorting the girls and River off stage.

Chris was whisked away to get changed and cleaned up and finally check her phone when she saw a text. Echo had been told by Jade to make sure she tuned in to the concert.

Echo: YOU ROCKED THAT SHIT TINK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris sent back a bunch of hearts when Matt stepped into the make-shift dressing room. "You were fucken incredible." Matt gushes, coming over and kissing her.

"Thank you." She grins. "Not better than you." She smiles.

"I beg to differ." Matt chuckles.

"Let's go home." Chris says softly.

"Let's." Matt agrees.

"He's unfuckingbelievable!" Val seethes as she watches the interaction between Matt and this new blonde on TV.

"You're really going to be upset about this Val? You gave up your rights a long time ago. You and Matt both agreed that you both were too toxic to work things out." Michelle said to her sister.

"Get me her name and number. She's going to be a nobody after I'm done with her." Val snaps.

Michelle rolled her eyes. "You really don't recognizer her? I mean. Good luck with that Dave Navarro is one of her top clients. Not to mention Rob Zombie who adores her and Tommy Lee. She's also done some of Andy's. Val think about this." Michelle tries to reason with her twin, but Val was having none of it.

"Who the fuck is she Michelle?! She can't waltz in on MY man and MY son and take them away." Val snaps.

"That's just it, Val. They aren't yours anymore. I lost my nephew cause you wanted to go and be a bitch, now drop it. I'm not helping you ruin their happiness." Michelle snaps at her sister, gathering her things. She left the house and drove a little ways down the road when she stopped and texted an old number she hoped still belonged to him.

From: Unknown

To: Matt

Hey. It's Chelle. I know we haven't spoken in a long time but I wanted to give you and River time and space from this family. I really miss him... But that's not why I'm messaging. Val saw the concert tonight and is losing her mind. I just felt I needed to give you a heads up that she may start shit. I told her, I won't get involved. I'm so sorry Matt. I hope maybe one day I can be in Riv's life again, but if not I understand. I hope you and Riv are happy, truly, and congratulations on the new little family.