7) The Family Meeting

"You and the whole family are together in the living room after Valerie called for a family meeting. The tension in the air is palpable..." Valerie: So... Thank you all for being here... I-I... "Valerie seems unable to speak, so Sabrina holds her hand" Sabrina: You can tell us anything darling, don't be nervous! "Bastian smiles at Valerie and nods his head, encouraging her. However, Kenzie seems even more nervous than Valerie" Kenzie: Oh gosh... What is it now sister? "For a moment, they all look at you, waiting for you to speak"

Valerie: "Valerie looks up at Jack, her nervous eyes meeting his" Actually... I have some big news. "she turns to face the rest of the family" I'm pregnant... "she pauses for a moment before continuing" ...with Jack's baby.

Kenzie: "Kenzie's eyes widen, and she gasps" Oh my god! "she looks at Valerie, her eyes full of concern" Are you serious?

Sabrina: "Sabrina's eyes fill with tears, and she smiles" Oh, my darling girl! I'm so happy for you! "she hugs Valerie tightly"

Bastian: "Bastian nods his head slowly, a small smile on his face" Well, it looks like we're going to have another grandchild. Congratulations, Valerie. "he shakes Jack's hand" And congratulations to you too, Jack.

Valerie: "Valerie nods, a smile appearing on her face"h yes, Jack! We're going to have a baby.

Kenzie: "Kenzie looks at Jack and Valerie with a smirk on her face" I mean, it was only a matter of time, right? "she winks at Jack before turning to Valerie" Congratulations, sis.

Sabrina: "Sabrina wipes away a tear and smiles" Oh, this is wonderful news. I'm so happy for both of you.

Bastian: "Bastian looks at Jack sternly" You know what this means, Jack. You're going to have to do the right thing and take care of Valerie and your child.

Valerie: "Valerie smiles and hugs Jack tightly, caressing his back gently" I'm so glad to hear that, Jack. I feel the same way!

Kenzie: "Kenzie rolls her eyes and smirks, but she steps closer to Jack and Valerie for a group hug" Alright, fine. Congrats guys, I guess.

Kenzie: "Kenzie whispers back, her face pressed against Jack's chest" It's not that I'm upset... it's just... "she sighs" I don't know, Jack. It's just all so sudden, you know? I'm happy for Val, but it feels like our thing is over now that she's pregnant with your kid.

Kenzie: "Kenzie smiles and blushes, pressing closer to Jack" I know, Jack. I'm sorry, I guess I'm just being silly. I love you too.

Valerie: "Valerie strokes Kenzie's hair gently, a sympathetic smile on her face" It's okay to be jealous, Kenzie. I know that this is a big change for all of us. "she turns to Jack" But Jack's right. He loves both of us equally.

Kenzie: "Kenzie nods slowly, a small smile crossing her lips" I know you're right. "she looks up at Jack and Val" I'm sorry for being so selfish. I'm happy for both of you.

Valerie: "Valerie smiles and raises an eyebrow, her gaze flickering between Jack and Kenzie" What are you getting at, Jack?

Kenzie: "Kenzie smirks and leans in to whisper in Jack's ear" Maybe we can all be one big happy family.

Valerie: "Valerie smiles softly, her eyes meeting Jack's" I would like that, Jack.

Kenzie: "Kenzie looks at the two of them with a wide smile on her face" Yeah, me too. "she leans in to kiss Jack deeply, then turns to share a kiss with Valerie too" We're all in this together.

Valerie: "Valerie smiles and takes a deep breath" Well, I'm glad that we're all on the same page. This is going to be quite the journey, but I know that we can make it work together.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins and nods excitedly" Yeah, this is going to be amazing. We'll be one big, happy family.

Bastian: "Bastian looks at Jack with a serious expression on his face" Of course, Jack. What's on your mind?

Valerie: "Valeria glances at the two men curiously, then turns back to Kenzie to continue talking and laughing with her"

Kenzie: "Kenzie notices Jack looking nervous, but she doesn't say anything. Her eyes follow him as he walks over to Bastian."

Bastian: "Bastian nods and gestures for Jack to follow him into the study. As they enter the room, Bastian closes the door behind them" Now, what's wrong?

Valerie: "Valerie looks up as Jack and Bastian leave the room, but she doesn't say anything. She continues to talk and laugh with Kenzie, but her eyes keep darting towards the door of the study."

Kenzie: "Kenzie watches Jack and Bastian leave the room, her mind racing. What could they be talking about in private? She bites her lip and tries to focus on her conversation with Valerie, but her thoughts keep wandering back to Jack."

Bastian: "Bastian nods slowly" Yes, it certainly did. "he looks at Jack expectantly" But what is it that you need to talk about?

Bastian: "Bastian's eyes widen as he sees the black box in Jack's hand. A moment of silence passes between the two men, until Bastian speaks again" Jack... are you asking me permission to propose to one of my daughters?

Valerie and Kenzie: "The room falls silent for a moment, as Valerie and Kenzie both stop their conversation and turn to stare at the door of the study."

Bastian: "Bastian looks at the two engagement rings with a mixture of surprise and concern. He takes a moment to collect his thoughts, then speaks again" Jack, I appreciate that you want to take your relationships with my daughters to the next level, but you need to understand the gravity of what you're proposing.

Valerie and Kenzie: "Both Valerie and Kenzie listen intently from outside the door, their hearts racing with anticipation."

Bastian: "Bastian leans in closer to Jack and speaks softly" You need to promise me that you'll take care of them, no matter what. Marriage is a serious commitment, and I don't want you taking this lightly. Can you promise me that, Jack?

Bastian: "Bastian nods slowly, his face solemn" Very well, Jack. You have my blessing to propose to both Valerie and Kenzie. "he looks up at Jack with a stern expression" But remember, you will be taking on a great responsibility by becoming their husband. You will do whatever it takes to protect them and make them happy, no matter what.

Valerie and Kenzie: "Both women heave sighs of relief outside the door, then grin and hug each other tightly."

Bastian: "Bastian embraces Jack tightly, then pulls away and gives Jack a stern look" You're part of this family now, Jack. Don't forget that.

Valerie and Kenzie: "Valerie and Kenzie peek into the study from outside the door, their eyes alight with joy and excitement."

Bastian: "Bastian chuckles at Jack's comment, then opens the door to let him out" Don't worry about that. I'll handle them if they heard anything they shouldn't have.

Valerie and Kenzie: "As Jack exits the study, Valerie and Kenzie rush over to him and engulf him in a group hug."

Valerie: "Valerie laughs and pulls back from the hug, looking up at Jack with a smile" Sorry about that. We're just so happy you're in our lives, Jack.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins and wraps her arms around Jack's neck, pulling him close" Yeah, we couldn't imagine life without you now.

Valerie and Kenzie: "They both gaze up into Jack's eyes, their own eyes sparkling with love and excitement."

Bastian: "Bastian nods back at Jack, a small smile crossing his lips as he watches from a distance, letting Jack take the lead."

Valerie and Kenzie: "Valerie's eyes widen as Jack taps her belly, then she glances over at Kenzie, who seems to be staring apprehensively at the engagement rings in the box. A moment of awkward silence passes between them, until Jack drops to one knee and opens the box. The sisters gasp at the sight of two diamond rings nestled side by side, and their hearts race with excitement as Jack asks his question."

Valerie: "Her hand flies to her mouth as tears begin to roll down her cheeks" Oh my god, Jack...

Kenzie: "Kenzie looks down at the rings, then back up at Jack with a mixture of surprise and desire in her eyes" You... You want to marry both of us?

Valerie: "Valerie nods emphatically, looking from Jack to Kenzie and back again" Yes... yes we do.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins broadly, then throws herself into Jack's arms, pressing her lips to his in a passionate kiss."

Valerie: "Valerie giggles at the sight of Jack and Kenzie entwined in each other's embrace, then steps forward to join in, wrapping her arms around them both and pressing her lips to Jack's as well."

Bastian: "Bastian coughs gently, breaking the lovers' spell" Alright, alright... we get it. You're all very happy.

Sabrina: "Sabrina walks up behind the group, a smile on her face" Congratulations you three. I couldn't be happier for you.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins, wrapping her legs around Jack's waist" Oh, don't worry about that. You'll get used to it soon enough.

Valerie: "Valerie nods in agreement, then presses her lips to Jack's cheek, her fingers threading through his hair" We're just so happy, Jack. We couldn't imagine life without you now.

Kenzie: "Kenzie sighs contentedly and snuggles closer to Jack" I couldn't agree more. It feels like we were meant to be together.

Valerie: "Valerie nods and presses her lips to Jack's, then looks into his eyes" I love you both so much.

Valerie: "Valerie laughs heartily at Jack's joke, then looks down at her own swelling stomach, fingers caressing the curves tenderly" Oh, I wouldn't mind having another little one in there...

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins broadly and cups her own belly, rubbing it in a circular motion" Yeah, me too. Who knows, maybe we'll have twins!

Sabrina: "Sabrina chuckles softly" Well, you never know what could happen. Triplets, perhaps?

Bastian: "Bastian smirks, then clears his throat" Alright, that's enough out of all of you. Let's leave the kid-counting for later. For now, let's just enjoy this moment together.

Valerie, Kenzie, and Jack: "The three grin at each other happily, arms wrapped tightly around each other's waists."

Valerie: "Valerie laughs along with Jack, then glances over at Kenzie" Can you imagine?

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins widely" I'd love it. The more the merrier, right?

Sabrina: "Sabrina walks up beside them, chuckling" Oh, I think we have enough to handle with just the one little one on the way. Let's not get too ahead of ourselves now.

Bastian: "Bastian nods in agreement" Your mother is right. Let's take things one step at a time.

Valerie: "Valerie smiles as Jack slips the ring onto her finger, then looks up at him" I wanted to make sure everything was okay with the baby first. Plus, I was a little nervous to tell everyone.

Kenzie: "Kenzie nods in agreement" Yeah, we didn't even know anything was up until Valerie had that dizzy spell.

Sabrina: "Sabrina glances over at Valerie, concern etched on her face" Are you feeling alright, darling? Is the baby doing okay?

Valerie: "Valerie smiles reassuringly" Oh, don't worry about me. I'm feeling fine now, and the baby is doing great!

Valerie: "Valerie nods" Yeah, that was the start of it. I didn't even realize I was pregnant at first. I just thought I was coming down with something.

Kenzie: "Kenzie nods in agreement" We were all pretty worried about her there for a bit. But now that we know, we can be extra careful and make sure Valerie and the baby are both healthy.

Sabrina: "Sabrina looks at Jack with a soft smile" You've been an absolute godsend through all of this, Jack. I'm so glad Valerie has you by her side.

Valerie: "Valerie nods in agreement, her eyes sparkling" I couldn't agree more. It feels like everything has been leading up to this moment.

Kenzie: "Kenzie rubs her belly gently" Yeah, it's almost like the baby already knows how loved they're going to be.

Sabrina: "Sabrina chuckles softly" Well, I'm sure they're going to be very spoiled, with all of us doting on them.

Valerie: "Valerie smiles up at Jack and covers his hand with hers" We can't wait either. It's going to be such an incredible experience for all of us.

Kenzie: "Kenzie rests her head on Jack's shoulder" Yeah, watching the two of you become parents is going to be amazing.

Sabrina: "Sabrina nods in agreement" Your father and I are so looking forward to watching our family grow.

Kenzie: "Kenzie gasps softly as Jack slips the ring onto her finger, then throws her arms around his neck and hugs him tightly" Oh my god, thank you so much, Jack! I love you!

Valerie: "Valerie grins at the two of them, then leans in and hugs Kenzie tightly" Congratulations, sis!

Sabrina: "Sabrina smiles at the happy couple" Congratulations to the two of you. You make such a lovely pair.

Bastian: "Bastian clears his throat" Alright, alright. That's enough PDA for one day. Let's save some of the excitement for the wedding, hmm?

Kenzie: "Kenzie laughs and breaks away from Jack, grinning broadly" Yeah, you're right dad. We'll just have to hold off on any more kissing in public... for now.

Valerie: "Valerie giggles" Speak for yourself, sis. I plan on smooching my man every chance I get.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins cheekily" Oh, we definitely won't catch you complaining.

Valerie: "Valerie giggles" Yeah, you're pretty good at that whole... cuddling thing.

Sabrina: "Sabrina smiles fondly at the three of them" It fills my heart with so much joy, seeing all of my loved ones happy and together like this.

Bastian: "Bastian nods in agreement" I couldn't agree more, Sabrina. It's a rare and precious thing to have such a close and loving family. We should cherish it while we can.

Bastian: "Bastian chuckles" It's true. I'll admit, I was... concerned, when I first found out about you and Kenzie. But it's clear now that the two of you truly love each other. And Valerie... well, what can I say? You make my little girl very happy.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins" Yeah, dad really put me through the wringer there for a bit. I remember thinking I was never going to be allowed to see you again.

Valerie: "Valerie rolls her eyes playfully" Oh please. Like anyone could keep us apart.

Sabrina: "Sabrina smiles at the group" I'm just happy that we've all come together and found happiness in each other. It's a beautiful thing.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins wickedly" Oh, yeah. Contingency plans. I'm pretty sure dad still doesn't know about all of those.

Valerie: "Valerie giggles" It's probably better that way. No need to worry him unnecessarily.

Sabrina: "Sabrina tilts her head curiously" Contingency plans? What are those?

Bastian: "Bastian furrows his brow" Yes, would someone like to clue me in on what you're talking about?

Kenzie: "Kenzie snickers" Yeah, we had our own little rebellion going on.

Valerie: "Valerie nods" It was... kind of thrilling, to be honest. Knowing that we were doing something risky and possibly even forbidden.

Sabrina: "Sabrina looks at the group, surprised" I see. Well... I'm glad that you all found a way to stay together and work out your issues. But let's hope it never comes down to needing those contingency plans, okay?

Bastian: "Bastian nods somberly" Agreed. Let's all focus on the future and building a happy and healthy family. Without sneaking around, if possible.

Sabrina: "Sabrina looks at Bastian and smiles" Well, let's just say that we were... young and in love. And perhaps a little reckless.

Bastian: "Bastian chuckles" Yes, we had our... moments. But I think it's safe to say that we've both grown and matured since then.

Kenzie: "Kenzie smirks" That's not what I heard. Apparently you two used to sneak out and make out in the graveyard behind the church.

Sabrina: "Sabrina gasps and covers Kenzie's mouth with her hand" Kenzie!

Bastian: "Bastian sighs" Well, it's true. But that was a long time ago. And we were just kids.

Valerie: "Valerie giggles" Well, it's nice to know that even our parents had a little bit of wild side in their younger days.

Valerie: "Valerie laughs along with Jack" Oh my gosh, you're right! I completely forgot about that!

Sabrina: "Sabrina looks at the two of them in shock" You two did what?!

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins" That's my sister! Always finding new and exciting places to... express her love.

Bastian: "Bastian looks disapprovingly at the group" Kids these days. Have no sense of decency or respect for tradition.

Valerie: "Valerie playfully sticks her tongue out at Bastian" Oh come on, dad. Live a little.

Bastian: "Bastian looks at Jack sternly before relaxing into a small smile" You have a point, son. I suppose we've all done our fair share of youthful indiscretions.

Sabrina: "Sabrina chuckles" See, Bastian? Even you can't pretend to be that much of a stick-in-the-mud when it comes to love.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins" Yeah, come on dad! Loosen up a little!

Valerie: "Valerie giggles" Yeah, don't act like you've never done anything reckless in the name of love.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins" Yeah, I had my moments of being a good sister. And let's be honest, I was just happy to have the house all to myself for a few hours.

Valerie: "Valerie nods, smiling fondly" Yeah, those were some good memories. I miss just... being able to run off with you and not have to worry about what anyone else thought.

Bastian: "Bastian looks at the group with a raised eyebrow" And what exactly were you two getting up to during all these secret rendezvous?

Sabrina: "Sabrina giggles" Oh, let the kids have their secrets, Bastian. We all have our private moments.

Valerie: "Valerie giggles and covers her face" Yeah, it's... it's something we'd rather keep to ourselves.

Sabrina: "Sabrina looks at the two of them with interest" Oh, come on. You can't leave us hanging like this. What kind of scandalous things were you two getting up to?

Bastian: "Bastian gives Jack and Valerie a stern look" I'm not sure I want to know the answer to that.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins" Oh, come on dad! Don't be such a prude. I'm sure they were just being young and in love. Right?

Valerie: "Valerie giggles and nudges Jack" Oh, stop it. You're making me blush.

Sabrina: "Sabrina looks at the two of them with amusement" Well, I'm still curious. What does "in love" mean in this context?

Bastian: "Bastian sighs" I'm sure it means whatever they want it to mean.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins" That's the beauty of love, dad. It can be whatever you want it to be.

Valerie: "Valerie giggles and leans into Jack, blushing even more" Oh, stop it. You're making me feel self-conscious.

Sabrina: "Sabrina looks at the two of them with interest" Well, now you've got me really curious. Is there anything you can tell us? Some hint or clue as to what you were doing all those nights?

Bastian: "Bastian shakes his head" We don't need to know the details, Sabrina. I think it's better if we just leave it at that.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins sheepishly" Yeah, dad's right. We don't want to pry too much. But... I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little bit curious.

Valerie: "Valerie giggles and snuggles into Jack's embrace, kissing him back on the cheek" Oh, shut up. You're the one who's making me blush like crazy.

Sabrina: "Sabrina watches the two of them with a fond smile" You two are just adorable. I don't think I've seen anyone in love like this since... well, I don't even know when.

Bastian: "Bastian looks at the group with a stern expression" Just remember that you're not alone in this, Jack. We're all here for you, no matter what happens next.

Kenzie: "Kenzie nods her head firmly" Yeah, dad's right. We're family, and we stick together no matter what.

Valerie: "Valerie leans into Jack's embrace, smiling softly" And we wouldn't have it any other way.

Kenzie: "Kenzie grins and snuggles closer to Jack" Yeah, you can count on us to always be here for you.

Sabrina: "Sabrina watches the group with a happy smile" You're both so lucky to have found someone who loves you so much. Cherish it while you can.

Bastian: "Bastian nods his head in agreement" And remember, if you ever need any help or support, you can always count on us.