Port Charles Does It Better

Chapter 32

     Dave and Lorraine flew in from Oregon that same night. They arrived pretty late, around 11 or so, but both Parker and Kristina were elated to see them. "You finally made it!" Parker said, hugging her parents. "Of course we did Pumpkin," Dave told her as we walked in. "It's a nice place you two have here."
     Kristina was having her round of hugs now. "Thank you!" She exclaimed. "In all honesty, Parker found it first. She's a very classy lady." She said, winking at Parker. "I bet she is," Lorraine joked, hugging her future daughter in law.  "I'm sorry it's so late!" She continued. "Our flight was delayed a few hours due to bad weather."
     "It's really not a big deal mom. I imagine you're pretty tired. Should I show you two where you'll be sleeping?" Parker asked. Lorraine shook her head, but Dave nodded. "Don't let her lie to you, she's exhausted. Even if she won't admit it." He told them as he took his wife's hand. "We have all day tomorrow to see them," He informed her with a smile. She finally agreed and Parker took them and their bags into the guest room to get them settled in. Kristina was getting ready for bed when Parker came in to room. She looked a little off.
     "What's wrong babe?" Kristina asked her as she finished hopping (quite literally)  into her pajama bottoms. Parker shrugged. "I have no idea," She said, shaking her head, "But something is up. Mom is acting weird." Kristina cocked her head to the side. "How's that? She seemed her usual self to me." Parker began walking around the room. "It's not her personality, that's still the same. I don't know. I'm probably just over thinking."
      Kristina placed herself in front of the pacing girl to cease her movement. "Hey," She told her putting a hand on her face. "If something is going on, Dave will tell you, even if she doesn't. She's probably just got jet lag or something baby." Parker nodded in agreement. "That could be true I guess."
      They climbed into bed shortly after midnight. Tomorrow was the crossover family Holiday Dinner. All either of them really wanted for Christmas was for Alexis and Lorraine to be able to get along. Or for Alexis and Sonny to get along. How about just for Alexis to be able to get along with anyone? It was going to be a long day and it hadn't even started yet.

     Sam, Jason, and their kids got there first, arriving around noon. Then came Molly and TJ, shortly followed by Sonny and Carly who had brought Avery and Kiki. Michael got there around 12:30 and Alexis made it about five minutes after that. Everyone was there. With everyone seated at the table, Kristina stood up to speak.
     "Thank you all for coming this weekend." She began. "As you know, not only is today Christmas, but tomorrow Parker and I are going to get married. We wanted everyone to be there, so that's why we chose the day after the dinner." She said, looking at Dave and Lorraine. "Parker and I are more than thrilled to have you here by the way. You guys have my heart." She said, smiling at them genuinely earning a slight round of giggles from the table. "Nothing is more important than family," She continued, now looking around the table at all of her parents and siblings, the family that has always been hers. "And I'm glad that I've had the privilege of growing up with a family that loves as hard as you do. Tomorrow we welcome Parker and her family into ours,-" "And Kristina and her family into ours," Parker interrupted with a smile. "And I couldn't be more grateful for everyone in this room. Thanks for coming." She said raising her glass for a toast and then sitting down next to her future wife.
      "How was that?" She whispered into the blonde's ear. Parker shot her a sweet smile. "I think it was beautiful." She whispered back. "Just like you." She told her, poking her nose with her finger. "Ugh, you are such a dork," Kristina said. "Ah," Parker replied. "But you love me sooooo." Parker said, taking a sip of wine then immediately making a sour face. "Okay honey, but seriously. What were we thinking?" She said looking at the red liquid in her glass.  "This is disgusting. Sneak with me into the kitchen and split a beer with me?" Kristina nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Let's go." She said and they snuck off giggling into the kitchen like school girls.

       The dinner went smoother than expected. The kids were well behaved, or about as well behaved as a 4 and 1 year old can be. There wasn't really any drama surprisingly. Alexis and Lorraine got along fine, considering Lorraine couldn't stand her future daughter in law's mother. She wasn't ignorant to how much hate the woman had shown her daughter. Alexis kept her arguments to herself as well. Even going as far as to tell her that it was good seeing her and glad she was in somewhat good health again. By 3, everything was wrapping up and people were going home.
     "We'll see you guys tomorrow!" Kristina exclaimed, watching the line of people file out of the front door. "Thanks again for coming!" She said before stopping her father. She looked around to see if Parker or her parents were in the vicinity. They weren't.
     "Hey dad, did you get the thing?" She asked him, hopping up and down. Sonny gave her a confused look. "What thing?" He asked. "Was I supposed to bring something?" Kristina's jaw hit the floor. "Are you serious right now, because I can't-" " OH! You mean this thing?" He asked, pulling out a tiny black box. He opened it for her to look inside. "Oh my God, it's beautiful daddy!" She said after examining the ring, engraving and all. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. "You really are the best dad." She told him, kissing him on the cheek. "I've told you this already, but anything I can do to help my Princess out, I will. I hope she likes it." He told her before kissing the top of his daughter's head. "I love you kid. See ya tomorrow." He said and walked out the door.
      "What was that about?" Kristina jumped as she heard Parker's voice behind her. "Oh nothing." She told her, skipping up to the taller girl. "Love you!" She said before running off (literally) into the bedroom to hide the box until it was time.