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Chapter 2

Clara's POV

I spent the rest of my day cleaning and tidying up. The words Lily said shook me up. I knew that once they were married I wouldn't be needed because the kids would have a mother. But I didn't think I'd be cut off from all connection.

I thought I could come visit the kids every now and then and I knew John wouldn't just cut us off. He knew the kids adored me. Did he even know Lily wanted to cut all ties between the kids and I.

Shaking my head to get rid of those silly thoughts I knew John wouldn't cut all ties between us. And even if he did the kids would find a way to see me.

It was around 2 o'clock and the kids wouldn't be home for another hour and a half. Walking up to my room I laid down for a nap that was well needed.

John's POV

I sat at my desk in my office. Papers were strewn everywhere and I was so stressed. With work being busier than ever and the wedding just a few months away I was jam packed. There was a knock on the office door and I groaned.

"Come in," I mumbled putting my head in my hands. I heard the tapping of heels and the door close quietly. Looking up I saw Lily walking over to me.

"Hello dear," I said as she leant down and kissed me.

"Wow you are one busy person," she said as she began to massage my aching back. I groaned as she massaged a big knot in the crook of my neck.

"Yes, it's so tiring," I say and she sighs.

"You need a holiday, why don't we take the next week off and go somewhere fun?" She asks and I nod.

"I like that idea," I agree and she claps her hands.

"Excellent! So we need airplane tickets to..hmm...what about California!" She exclaims and I nod.

"I like San Diego, we can go to the beach, sea world and visit Disneyland which isn't far away," I say and she nods excitedly.

"This'll be great! Just you me and the kids!" She begins and I interrupt her.

"And Clara," her expression changes to one of annoyance.

"What?" She growls narrowing her eyes.

"Of course Clara is coming! She is apart of the family you know," I say cheerfully.

"But I wanted it to be just us, and the kids," she whines and I begin to tidy all of my stuff up.

"But the kids won't go without her and neither will I! She's very helpful," I say excitedly. She groans before kissing me quickly.

"Well I'm going to go pack. We leave in two days for a week!" She calls over her shoulder before the door slams behind her.

Lily's POV

Ugh why did he have to invite the little slut with us. She's such a kiss up and I can't wait to get rid of her.

I see the way he looks at her and let me tell you it's much different than how he looks at me, and not in a good way.

John's  POV

I was leaving work early to surprise the kids and to tell them the good news about our holiday. As I had closed up my brief case there was a knock on the door.

"Come in!" I yelled excitedly and the kids ran in.

"Dad! Dad!" They yelled running towards me. I laughed as they engulfed me in a hug.

"Hey kiddos!" I exclaimed ruffling some of their heads. I knew not to touch Aria's or I'd be a dead man.

"So what brings you all here, I was just heading home to surprise you," I said and they all grew a little serious. I looked at them as they gazed around the room.

"Lily plans to cut all communication with Clara after you two marry," says Aria quietly.

"What!?" I ask shocked at such an accusation," Lily would never do that," I say defensively.

"Yeah, when you're not around," mumbles Cassie.

"Why would you guys think this," I ask sternly.

"We aren't making this up! Clara was being threatened by Lily after Jason yelled that Clara would be a better mother than she would ever be," cried Hudson. I looked around unsure of what to think.

"Well, I think you all are over reacting, but don't you worry, you will be able to see and talk to Clara after Lily and I marry, she might even stick around for a while," I say and their faces light up.

"Really!?" They exclaim excitedly and I nod laughing.

"Really," I chuckle and they all hug me. I pull away and cross my arms.

"So where's Clara? I suspect she came with you," I said and they all put on innocent smiles.

"Yeah, she went and dropped by the coffee shop a few streets over to get some," said Jason and I nodded.

"Ok, you all don't mind riding home with me do you?" I ask them and they all shake their heads no.

Clara's POV

"Family meeting!" Yelled John and everyone gathered into the living room. I stood off in the doorway to the other room distant from them. The children all gathered around with wide smiles as they admired their father. Their smiles faded when Lily came over and attached herself to John. I turned and made my way to the other room not to disturb them.

"Clara, where do you think you're going?" Questions John and I turn around to find a smiling John and a scowling Lily.

"You were having a family meeting so I decided to go start dinner," I say wringing my fingers. He laughs and I look up confused.

"Now why on earth would you do that? You're family now come on in here!" He exclaimed and I grew a smile. Slowly walking into the room just in case he changed his mind I sat in the brown leather recliner that I had deemed my own when we got it.

"Ok, now that the entire family is here," said John as he gazed over at me. Our eyes locked and stayed that way for a minute before he continued. "Lily and I have decided for all of us to take a holiday next week, so we decided that the Smith family and the Oswald," he continued nodding over at me. "Are going to San Diego California!" He exclaimed and we all cheered and jumped in excitement. I clapped my hands in excitement as the kids screamed and jumped up and down. My eyes met Johns and we just stared into each other eyes before we both blushed and looked away.