"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"Chef Serena"

Serena had been wracking her brain studying for a big test. She was juggling taking care of Miranda, studying & preparing dinner. She was expecting Brian & her dad to arrive anytime. She wanted to do something nice for both of them since they were helping her with Miranda the entire week.

It had only been a couple days since Jack & Grandma left for Virginia, but she realized that they had been doing so much to help her with Miranda. She took their help for granted. She was starting to stress out just thinking about all she needed to do. "Where is Brian?", she kept thinking. She kept checking the window for any sign of his car.

Motherhood was getting to Serena. Miranda was going through a sleep regression & growth spurts which messed with Miranda's sleep routine. And this affected Serena's schedule altogether. Miranda was also quite clingy. Every time she wanted to go to the bathroom or eat in peace, Miranda would fuss or cry. It's like Miranda had a sensor or alarm triggering her to act up every time Serena sat down. The door bell rang & it was Brian. She pulled him in.

Serena: Thank God! Get in here!
Brian: I missed you too, Babe. But I don't think we should be getting it on with your dad on the way...

Serena: No, that's not it. I've been holding it for so long. Please watch her so I can finally pee!

Serena handed Miranda off to Brian as she ran to the bathroom. Miranda was fussy at first, but once Brian rocked & bounced her it instantly calmed her down. Serena sighed as she made it to the bathroom in time. The doorbell rang again. It was Todd. Brian opened the door for him with Miranda in his arms.
Todd smiled instantly at the sight of his precious grandchild.

Todd: Hey there sugar pie! Come here!
Brian: Hey there, Todd. Interesting nickname. I think Serena might get jealous that you're calling me...
Todd: Don't be stupid, boy. I was talking to my granddaughter. Hand her over...

Brian handed Miranda over to Todd & invited him in.

Todd: Where's your mommy?
Brian: She's taking care of business.
Todd: I see. And how have you been? How's school?
Brian: Doing great, sir. Just completed a few mid-terms. I have a couple more to go next week.
Todd: That's good. Keep it up.
Brian: How have you been, sir?
Todd: Easy on the "sir". "Todd" is just fine.
Brian: Ok. How have you been, Todd?
Todd: I've been uh... Good. Hey uh... You know that nurse? Dana?
Brian: Yeah, Miranda's nurse. What about?
Todd: She uh kinda asked me out?
Brian: What? But aren't you marr...

Serena came back downstairs & greeted her dad right away, interrupting their conversation.

Serena: Dad!
Todd: There's my girl.

Todd stood from the couch to embrace his daughter. He was facing Brian & signaled for Brian to keep quiet about what they were just talking about.

Dinner came to an end. Todd wiped his mouth after the meal & set the napkin on the table.

Todd: Serena, that was a sumptuous meal.
Serena: Wait, I made dessert.

Serena stood from her seat to head into the kitchen to retrieve the dessert. Brian looked surprised as Serena wasn't the domesticated type. She always seemed to struggle just boiling eggs properly. She had obviously come a long way.

Brian: You made made it?
Todd: Yeah, sweetheart, you sure it's edible?

Todd & Brian snickered.

Serena: Well, I did cook dinner. Didn't I?
Brian: You sure did, Babe. You're just full of surprises that's all.
Todd: What do we have here?

Serena placed the dessert dish on the table. Brian & Todd leaned in to see what the dessert was.

Serena: It's a blackberry cobbler. Grandma's recipe actually.
Todd: Sweetheart, this looks amazing.

Serena scooped out a piece for both Brian & Todd & then a piece for herself.

Brian: Wow...
Todd: Right?
Serena: Is it good?
Brian: Babe, it's amazing.
Todd: It is!
Serena: Oh good... I'm going to set Miranda down & I'll be right back.
Todd: Alright, sweetheart. Let me just kiss her one more time.

Serena held Miranda & walked around to Todd's side of the table. Todd kissed Miranda's forehead.

Todd: Sweet dreams, sugar pie. Love you!
Serena: We love you, Granddad.

Serena walked away from the table leaving Brian & Todd alone.

Todd: Let's try this cobbler.
Brian: Todd, is everything ok with you & Serena's stepmom?
Todd: Mmmm, this is pretty good.
Brian: I noticed you didn't want me mentioning anything in front of Serena.
Todd: I wonder if she has some whipped cream to go with this.
Brian: Todd!
Todd: Keep your voice down, boy.
Brian: Is there something you want to say to Serena?
Todd: Look, my marriage is between me & my wife. She wasn't the best stepmom to my Serena. I know that doesn't make my decision to see Dana any better.
Brian: Don't do this to Dana. She's a sweet lady. And I don't know your wife, but she doesn't deserve this either.
Todd: I'm going to take care of this.
Brian: You do that.

Serena walked back into the dining room.

Todd: Honey, I think you've found your calling.
Serena: You think so? What do you think, babe?

Brian kept his eyes on Todd. Todd looked concerned.

Brian: You've outdone yourself. It's delicious.
Serena: Oh good... Oh dad! Before you go, please pack some up for Cynthia.
Todd: Yeah, for sure.

Brian lost an ounce of respect for Todd. He was fighting so hard to please him & came to realize Todd was sort of a dick. How could he cheat on his wife like that & with Dana? Brian liked Dana. She didn't deserve this. None of these women deserved this. Serena didn't deserve to have her father walking back into her life only to stain her name. It troubled Brian, but he did his best to ignore it every time they spent time with Todd.