Daisy (lashton)

Chapter 43

"So, ready to face the lions?"

Luke turned to look at Anne Marie who was wearing a teasing smile as they hung back, taking their leisurely time to walk to the table. While Ashton was taking the bull by the horns and leading the way with what Luke knew to be fake confidence, Luke and Anne were clearly more hesitant.

"I honestly think I'd rather be anywhere else than here right now."

She threw back her head, laughing and nodding her agreement as she reached out to rub Daisy's back. The little girl was back asleep before they even entered the restaurant. Drool was puddling on Luke's collar, but he ignored it.

"Yeah, well I don't blame you. You take enough crap from me as it is, and I'm like a saint compared to those demons." It was Luke's turn to laugh. It had taken many weeks and lots of ass kissing, but Luke had managed to get back on Anne Marie's good side after their not so pleasant first meeting at Ashton's apartment. Once she'd seen how much he genuinely cared for her son and granddaughter, it was hard to hold a grudge.

Since then, Luke found himself sitting beside her at every Sunday Irwin dinner.

"Okay, so give me a heads up, what should I be expecting?"

A mischievous glint appeared in Anne's bright blue eyes, and she turned to follow her son through the dining hall. "Nah, I think I'll let you fend for yourself tonight."

"Aw, c'mon Mama I," Luke whined, quickly catching up with the older woman, "throw me a bone at least."

She rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. "Just don't discuss how you and Ashton met."

It was Luke's turn to roll his eyes. "Did you seriously think I was going to tell them how I picked him up drunk in a bar and couldn't remember his name the next day?"

"Hey, no lip." She quirked up an eyebrow and Luke sighed. "And whatever you do, don't snap at them. I know you're a bit of a hot head," Luke rolled his eyes and Anne pointed at him. "That's what I'm talking about. None of that." She sighed, "I know it's hard watching Ashton take shit from them, but you don't know how horrible they made his life after Peach died. Did he ever tell you how close they came to gaining custody?"

Luke shook his head, furrowing his brow. He knew they had tried, but Ashton never gave him any details.

"Too close. Money goes a long way when it comes to CPS unfortunately. Anyways, It was a rough time for him, and ever since then he's been bending over backwards to make sure it doesn't happen again. I hate it, but it's what Ashton wants from us. So we just have to grin and bear it, okay? No snapping and telling them to go fuck themselves, no matter how much they deserve it, got it?"

"I might be a dumbass kid but I'm not that stupid."

She laughed, quickly straightening up as the couple's table came into view. "Look, Luke," Anne sighed as she stopped the young blonde from walking and rested her hand in a maternal touch against his arm. "don't let whatever they say get under your skin, okay? I know it'll be tough, but their opinion of you doesn't matter. You make my son happier than I've seen in years. He's finally started acting his age and enjoying life. Not to mention Dais here,"

her eyes softened as the little girl cuddled closer to Luke's neck. "I'm impressed by how quickly you've adjusted to my son's lifestyle. It's not something many young men your age could handle. You're special. I know I wasn't too fond of you at first, but after getting to know you, I see why my son looks at you like you're the sun,"

Luke shifted awkwardly on his feet. He wasn't used to these maternal heart to hearts. It was just usually lectures about responsibility from his own parents. Speaking of... he should probably give them a call soon.