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James and Nat were in the backseat of his Rover. Nat insisted on holding his hand, informing him that Papa always holds her hand. James didn't know much about kids but he wasn't about to disappoint Nat. Every once in a while he would catch Tori Lynn looking at them. She would smile and go back to her conversation with Ashley. Neal found himself looking at her as well. She was beautiful. She had an effortless style that amazed him. She was herself in her pajamas or dressed up. James loved this about her.

"Uncle Jay" called Nat "Are you listening to me?"

"Nope, sorry princess I spaced out" replied Neal "But, I'm listening now"

"I asked if you and Tori Lynn were going to get married and live in Kentucky."

"Nat, remember when I left Pittsburgh because I have to play hockey in Nashville. I have to stay in Nashville unless they trade me again, and Tori Lynn lives in Nashville because she sings and that's where she needs to be. So, we both have to stay in Tennessee." answered Neal. Tori Lynn listened to Neal's answer she was ready to intervene if necessary. She was amazed at his patience with Nat. Neal didn't address the marriage part, but gave her a simple factual answer. She had expected him to spazz and tell Nat they were not getting married. But, no sign of panic.

Tori Lynn heard the music from "Love Is An Open Door" start playing. Tori Lynn started singing along with the movie. Nat started singing and soon the entire Rover was singing along with the Ana and Hans. Ashley looked at her and shook her head. Singing wasn't Neal's strong suit but he was willing to make a fool out of himself for Nat. Ashley continued giving her directions until they made it to the Mountain Arts Center. G and Ally pulled into a spot a few feet away. James unbuckled himself and Nat. He hoisted her on to his hip and shouldered her bag after climbing out of the Rover. Tori Lynn smoothed the tulle of her skirt as they waited on her parents. Ally was laughing as she approached.

"She can walk." said Ally "She hasn't been packed around this much since she was 2."

"I know but I don't see her that often and she's little" replied James smiling at Ally "Besides Ally Kat Nat likes it when I carry her." Nat planted a smacking kiss on his forehead. Neal never broke stride just fell into step beside Geno.

"I have lost all control of my child" said Ally shaking her head "Are you ready for that?" she asked Tori Lynn.

"I'm pretty sure I lost all control of this situation when Evgeni made me go apologize for hurting Neal's feels." replied Tori Lynn "Being with Neal is insane. I've never met anyone like him."

"And you never will" answered Ally "He was there when she was born. Evgeni wasn't. He helped me pack when I left. He kept in touch no matter what me and Ev were going through. He may come off as not caring but it's a defense thing. He may be over the top but that's just him. I told him he didn't need to come, but he came anyway. He knows me almost better than I know me. I am so happy for you both, but scared to death of what will happen if you leave."

"I'm not leaving. I can't. He's stuck with me." laughed Tori Lynn "We had a bit of a dust up last night. But, he came and carried me home. It's scary I consider his place home."

"Nat said he let you decorate his apartment." replied Ally "It's time he put down roots. He needs something stable."

"I love him Ally" said Tori Lynn quietly.

"So do we" smiled Ally "But, we will totally share."

"Thanks" she replied "I was afraid you and Ashley would hate me."

"Oh, I totally hate you" teased Ashley "You're gorgeous, you sing, kids love you, and you get to bang
Nealer.

Tori Lynn started laughing. Ally apologized. "What I am honest" said Ashley "I will however forgive you if you promise to introduce me to the hot single Preds." All three of the girls were laughing by the time the girls made it to the dressing room.

"No Uncle Jay. No boys allowed. You are definitely a boy. The other mom's all look at papa funny." exclaimed Nat "You have to go sit with him and eat popcorn. Then you guys give me flowers. That is the daddy uncle job."

"That so princess?" asked Neal still holding her on his hip.

"Yes" she replied

"Well then give me some sugar and I will go search for flowers. But, I'm pretty sure he is in Pitt with Aunt V and the babies."teased James

"Not Uncle Flower. Real ones. Roses" said Nat scowling at Neal. She then gave him several kisses as he sat her down on her tiny heels.

"Ohh" said Neal "real ones. Gotcha munchkin. So, Tori Lynn and I will find our seats and flowers."
"She is a girl" replied Nat putting her hands on her hips "She gets to stay."

"Natalya,Uncle Jay wants to take Tori Lynn with him so she can watch the entire show."explained Ally. Nat glared at all of them. Tori Lynn thought the little girl might cry.

"You know what" said Tori Lynn kneeling down beside Nat "I think Uncle Jay and your daddy need boy time. So, they can go hang out and save our seats. Right, Uncle Jay?" Neal nodded and leaned in and gave her a quick kiss.

"Come Lazy we banished." said Geno. But, not before he kissed Nat and Ally.

"Well this sucks more than ever. Everyone gets kisses but me." pouted Ashley. G and Neal both planted kisses on the side of her face. "Pity kisses. This keeps getting worse." The boys were laughing as they made their way into the lobby.

James stopped at a table in the lobby and bought 3 bouquets of roses and convinced the lady selling the flowers to put them all together in one Princess Natalya worthy display. Evgeni laughed and said Lazy spoil Natashka and that Ally will fuss.

"What" asked Neal "She knows what I am like."

"Yes she know" said Geno "She not fuss at Lazy. Just Evgeni." They gathered their snacks and headed to their seats. "She let Lazy get away with killing."

"Yeah, but she isn't wearing my ring." answered James "Congrats by the way. How did you pull that off."
"Um not sure. I give ring. Tell her wear on right hand til she sure. She and Ash cry then I move ring." explained Geno "She won't move until we are married. But, she won't marry tomorrow. So she and Natashka will go to Florida with me. Then they come back here. I go to Pitt. I not want to Lazy. I want them with me."

"I know G. But, it's more progress than you've ever made. She and Nat will be seen out with you. Ally has made peace with Mama and Papa Malkin. Give her time to marry you. Let her have the wedding. It's important."

"Da" said Evgeni "But, I miss her and miss my baby. Her so big, Lazy."

"I know kid grows like a weed. They will be down in a few weeks for the Nutcracker. If you can fly in and out I will give you my ticket." said Neal "I'm sure the three girls would love that surprise."

"Three?" asked G

"I got Tori Lynn a ticket as well. She would be fine with you all."

"I will see but we have Canada coming up"

"It's okay G. She will be with you before the start of next season.Imagine, you'll have Nat for before camp."

"I take to Russia and Disney this summer. Plus, get married."

"So get married at Disney" said Neal "They do that shit there. Big perfect weddings. Drag her family down and have every know but her. Ash and Tori Lynn would help. Plus, Sid and the boys."

"Natashka and my Ally both be princesses. You think Jen help?" asked G

"We will all help." assured Neal as the lights went down. They sat through the first half. After intermission G informed him that Nat was near the end of the second half. Neal knew that Tori Lynn had danced her entire life. He probably needed to get ready for a lifetime of dance recitals. Ally, Ash, and Tori Lynn slid into their seats. Neal smiled at Tori Lynn.

"Hey Neal" she said crawling over him into her seat "She is awesome. I'm going to teach her to play guitar." He smiled at her again. Neal took her hand and settled it into his lap as they watched the Arabian on stage.

"So, if I get you a genie outfit can you do that?" asked Neal. Tori Lynn smacked his arm. But nodded yes.
After the Spaniards, Russians, and Pan flutes Geno nudged him. James sat up and pulled his phone from his shirt pocket. Mother Ginger rolled on stage. Tiny clowns burst from beneath her skirt. Tori Lynn was smiling and pointing at Natalya. James was videoing. He didn't know a lot about ballet but the bouncing yellow clowns. He wasn't sure that this was what they were supposed to be doing. "Is that ballet?" asked Neal

"It is when you're 4, Jamie." said Tori Lynn "And Nat is very good."

"She Russian" explained Geno shrugging. Everyone laughed.

"You guys wait in the lobby and we will be out as soon as we get our girl dressed." said Ally. Geno gave her a quick kiss.

Thirty minutes later the girls appeared from the dressing room. Nat had Tori Lynn by the hand. Neal couldn't help but think Tori Lynn would make a great mom.

"Uncle Jay" called Nat "Did you see me dance?"

"Yes, you were in a genie outfit right?" he asked picking her up. She shook her head no. "Umm then you were the Sugar Plum Fairy?"

"Jay" she exclaimed " I was a clown. I was under the skirt."

"I know pretty girl I was teasing." said Neal as he produced a huge bouquet of flowers. Nat squealed and showed the flowers to her mom and Ash.

"Really Jay" said Ally "She is 4 those weigh more than her."

"My best girl" he said hugging Nat tight. She shook her head no. "What you aren't my best girl?"

"No, Tori Lynn is." said Nat "But, it's okay she will take care of you and make sure you don't get into trouble. She can do it just like Uncle Pauly." Everyone laughed.

"Good to know even the 4 year old thinks I need a keeper." scoffed Neal

"Momma said Tori Lynn is a keeper" said Nat kissing Jay's face.

"I think so" said Neal winking at Tori Lynn "So, I promised G that we would go to dinner. I think princesses get to pick wherewe're going."

"Oh El Azul" said Nat clapping.

"You heard the princess" replied Neal "We are heading to El Azul."

James and Nat settled into the back of the Rover and picked up Frozen where they had left off. Tori Lynn and Ashley were laughing discussing something that had happened in the dressing room. They were following Ally and G to the restaurant. Nat was bouncing with excitement that Oalf had made his appearance. Tori Lynn told Nat that her Boston Bruins had dressed like the Frozen cast for Halloween. Tori Lynn promised to show her the pictures when the got to El Azul. Neal just shook his head.

"Don't shake that head at me Neal, my Bruins are awesome. I can't wait for the game this week." said Tori Lynn

"So, you are a Bruins fan?" asked Ash "How's that working for the Real Deal?"

"He is dealing. He and Marchy are going to be nice. Right, Neal?"

"I'm watching Frozen." he replied

"You are going to apologize" said Tori Lynn "no more knees"

"If you hurted someone you have to say you are sorry, Uncle Jay" explained Nat "Or else they don't be your friend."

Tori Lynn and Ash were both laughing hysterically. James just shook his head in defeat as they pulled in. Geno opened the door and unbuckled Nat.

"Why you all laugh?" asked G

"Uncle Jay is gonna pologize to Marchy." said Nat "So, they can be friends."

"You video this right, Pretty. We play funny videos at Christmas Party" asked Geno.

"See they are going to make fun of me." said Neal pouting. Tori Lynn motioned for him to lean down to her. She kissed his pouting mouth then whispered in his ear. Neal started to smile. "I guess that will make it worth it."

"You guess" sassed Tori Lynn "G, get Pauly on the phone.If his offer stands I am headed to Pitt."

"No you aren't" growled Neal "Mine" he said pulling her against him."You can't run off with Pauly to pout."
"I'm sure he'll let me" said Tori Lynn. Neal squatted her ass as she walked into the restaurant. "Ow" she groused.

"Why did you spank her?" asked Nat "She just wanted to talk to Uncle Pauly." Neal looked panicked. He turned to Ally.

"Oh no" said Ally "It's all you."

"I was teasing Uncle Jay, and he was being silly" said Tori Lynn "He won't do it again. Will you Jamie?"
James promised and they followed their server to the table. The guys working in the restaurant obviously knew Nat and Ally. They all seemed to cater to her whims. She was brought a sprite and a thing of cheese dip before they even ordered. James realized just how happy she was here in Kentucky. But, he was pretty sure she could be happy anywhere. Ally however was another thing all together. But, seeing her with G it was obvious that she was happier. He was thrilled they were working it out. They all ordered. After dinner, Nat had crawled over into Neal's lap. She was snuggling into his chest. The adults were all talking. Neal realized that Nat was asleep. Tori Lynn brushed a stray hair behind Nat's ear. As they were getting ready to leave Nat stirred.

"You stay Uncle Jay" asked Nat

"No baby" answered Neal "We promised Tori Lynn's mom we would stay there tonight. So we have to drive there. But, you are coming down in a few weeks to see the ice, and I have a big surprise. Plus, if you bring your skates you can skate with me."

"With Calle?" she asked yawning.

"Yes" said Tori Lynn " With Calle, Matti, Filip, and Roman. They would love to hang out, and my friend Addi and I will skate too. Sorry for taking Uncle Jay."

"Is ok" she said "I have to go to Florida tomorrow. We have to hockey." Evgeni held his arms out to get Nat. James kissed her forehead and handed her over. He then kissed Ally and hugged Ashley. Geno gave him another bone crushing hug.
"Thanks, Lazy. You too, Tori Lynn. Natashka loves you both. So does Evgeni.

"We love you too" said Neal "Crazy damn Russian. We have a 4 hour drive. So, we better get going."

James and Tori Lynn loaded into the Rover. James waved at G as they pulled on to road. Tori Lynn kicked her shoes off and tucked them up under her. She told him where to turn so they could get on the Mountain Parkway. She turned on her music. They were listening to Chase as they rolled on. In a little over an hour they were in Lexington. She pointed out a lot of scenic things as they drove. They laughed and talked. James couldn't remember a time he was this relaxed with a girl. It didn't seem to matter what they did. He just liked being with her. After they made their way to Versailles Road she was animatedly telling him about the castle. James was absolutely floored that their was true castle in Kentucky. Tori Lynn told him it was a bed and breakfast. He filed that piece of knowledge away for later. He thought maybe Tori Lynn and Nat would like to stay in the castle. They made their way to the Bluegrass parkway. She gave him more information on her state. He laughed.

"What?" she asked.

"You love it here" he said

"I do" she said "But, I can't sing here."

"I know." he said "Do you think you might want to fly home with me for a few days over Christmas break. I would love to show you Whitby."

Tori Lynn beamed at him and nodded. James took her hand and squeezed. They talked about Whitby for a while. They then talked about the Bourbon trail which they were apparently driving on. Maybe he and a few of the guys could do the tour. They exited the parkway near Bardstown. They made their way to Tori Lynn's parents house. The front porch light clicked on as they pulled in. They grabbed their bags and headed in.

They were greeted by her parents on the porch. Her mamaw was in the kitchen. She offered to feed them. They both explained they had eaten before leaving Nat. Gemma called James over to her. They were having a conversation as Tori Lynn spoke with her mother. James started laughing. Tori Lynn heard him say "Yes Ma'am."

Gemma gave Tori Lynn a kiss and headed out the door to her smaller farm house. "What did mamaw say?"

"That I'm sleeping in her guest room at her house." laughed Neal "And that I had 5 minutes to get ready to leave."
"You don't have to Neal." he cut her off with a kiss "Nite Babe. I most definitely do. We'll be back for breakfast. I have to be at skate by 11:00am. So, Mamaw says she will have us out the door by 8:30." He kissed her again "Nite, Tori Lynn." He picked up his bag and headed out the door.

Tori Lynn turned and looked at her parents. She put her hands on her hips. Her dad started laughing "I might like that boy yet. I can't believe he went home with momma."

"He's more afraid of her than you or Marc-Alan." exclaimed Tori Lynn "I can't believe you sent him home with Mamaw."

"You know we don't let your Mamaw do anything." said Beau "Your young man could have refused her. You know it's some weird test. Just hope the boy is still here in the morning. Night Tori Lynn" he dropped a kiss on his daughter's head.

"It will be fine Tori Lynn. Get some sleep." said her mom kissing her.

Tori Lynn changed into her pajamas and crawled into her old bed. She had known he would have to sleep in a different bed but she hadn't expected a different house. She was snuggling into her bed when her phone chirped.

Neal: So I am sleeping in my undershirt and boxers. Hoping not to offend your Mamaw.
TL: It will do.
Neal: There is no wifi here. I can't even steal a signal from your parents house.
TL: Sorry Mamaw isn't big on technology
Neal: It's okay she likes me
TL: You think. I am sorry. I figured you'd be banished to the basement
Neal: I'll survive one night. But you have to nap with me and sleep with me tomorrow.
TL:Deal
Neal: I love you.
TL: Love you too
Neal: Your mamaw just told me to get off the blasted phone and go to bed.
TL: Nite Neal.
Neal: Nite baby.

Tori Lynn laughed. She flipped on the TV and turned on the cooking channel. She was asleep before the first contestant was Chopped.

James settled into the bed at Mamaw's. She has checked on him before she went to sleep. James was starting to really like Mamaw Gemma. James would do what ever she wanted if it kept her and Tori Lynn happy. He had told her about wanting to take Tori Lynn home for Christmas. Gemma nodded. She has told him they would miss them both. James was pretty sure he had her talked into coming down to Nashville for the day so they could celebrate Christmas before they left for Canada. James laughed. He couldn't remember a time when he had tried so hard with a girl's family. He could only chalk it up to the fact he loved her. James fell asleep listening to Mamaw's tv in the other room.

Notes