Brave Enough

Thirty - Two

James stands in the kitchen making pancakes for Cleo and Buck. Her phone dings.

Maddie: hey can Chim and I stop over for breakfast? I'll bring bacon and hash browns!
James: of course. Yum! Making pancakes is that alright?
Maddie: Yes!

"Hey baby. Breakfast smells good. How are the twins today?" Buck asks from behind James making her jump.

"They're fine. How are you today?"

"Well I woke up to find my baby girl standing in the kitchen making pancakes looking all sexy and pregnant with our children. What do you think?" Buck kneels in front of her. "Hello little ones. Are you behaving for mama?"

"They're kicking like crazy today. Maddie and Chim are coming over for breakfast." James rubs her back in a spot that had been persistently hurting all morning. "I think Eddie may stop by with Christopher as well."

      "I'm so proud of you. You're almost done with the classes. You'll have your business degree soon baby," Buck says looking up at her.

       "I'm just glad they let me resume my final semester, and from LA. I took my finals yesterday. So now I just wait for the results. I'm so nervous." Buck stands up and rubs her belly.

"We're all so proud of you. In the last three and a half months you've not only worked on healing. You've raised Cleo, finished your last semester of college, and all while creating not one but two future lives. Go on and sit down. I'll finish these. I mean you made the batter I can't possibly screw this up."

       James sits down and starts the icing. "I couldn't have done it without you in my life. You've pushed me to be better and stronger. I love you Evan Buckley and don't you ever forget it."

       "Mmm what is that delicious smell?" Maddie says walking into the kitchen. "Chim put the eggs and hash browns on the counter over there."

       "Red Velvet pancakes with cream cheese icing syrup. They should be done soon. Buck is finishing them up so I can sit and make the syrup," James says whisking the ingredients together.

       "Please tell me Buck did not make the batter," Chim jokes.

       "Haha. No I didn't. I'm just pouring them onto the griddle and flipping. Babe is Cleo still asleep? She never sleeps this long," Buck asks with concern.

       "Babe she doesn't normally stay up until midnight. But I'm not sure she was sick all night as well. Her stomach is a little funky right now. Zara is going to watch her tonight while we're out." James rubs the spot again. "I'll go check on her but she's definitely exhausted."

Buck plates the last pancake. "No you relax. I'll go check on our princess."

*****

Everyone sits in the dining room of James and Buck's favorite restaurant Mowgli's talking and enjoying their meals. "James?" Maisie says in a questioning tone. James turns in surprise.

"Maisie? Raven?" She jumps up and hugs them. "What are you two going in LA?"

"Visiting you of course. Lover boy called and invited us for the weekend. Said he was so proud of everything that you have accomplished. He wanted a surprise for you," Raven says.

"If I can have everyone's attention please?" Buck asks walking into the room. "I have something I need to say." Everyone turns their attention to Buck. "Thirteen months ago, I responded to a call that changed my life for the absolute best. The day I met you James I knew this day would come. I just didn't know when..."

This is the end for now. Keep an eye out for book two "Capital Letters" coming soon!!

Casting choices will be next chapter followed by a playlist and a q&a chapter. I will be updating those randomly especially as questions are asked.