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It wasn’t long until Arthur called from the kitchen.

“Dinner’s ready!” 

And just like that the living room was empty within seconds.  The table that the 5 Carlin family members used to eat at now had 11 people squeezed around it.  Arthur Carlin, and Paula Carlin seated at the ends of the table.  Taylor seated in the safety of Paula’s right side.  Christina had managed to squeeze her seat in between Spencer and Taylor, much to Taylor’s disapproval.  Next to Spencer was Zak who had forced himself between the two.  Across from them were Clay, Chelsea, Morgan, and Glen.  Smiling happily they all joined hands and bowed down their heads.  Arthur said a quick prayer each person smiling happily as he pointed out how happy he was to see Ashley here, and how big Zak was growing, how beautiful Christina had gotten, thank the Lord for the happiness bestowed upon his family.  The food was then passed around the table.  That is except for Taylor.  Much to Ashley’s amusement Christina refused to pass the food down to Taylor collecting a large pile of dishes in her area.  It wasn’t until they passed it all the way back around to Paula’s side that Taylor finally got food.  Smiling proudly at her accomplishment Christina beamed happily from her seat feet swinging in the air. 

“Wow Mr. C, this may well be the second best thing I’ve tasted.” Ashley commented, oh yes, I am getting Spencer back for this.  For the deal.  For seducing me.  Oh yes.

“Second best?” the cook exclaimed unhappily.

“Yes, Spencer actually makes this really great sweet creamy like dessert.  It’s really good when you dip breadsticks in them, or well I just like to lick it off my fingers.”  The brunette smirked at the blonde and smiled innocently to the rest of the table.  Spencer looked like a child that just witnessed the death of her family pet and was blaming the death on Ashley.  Chelsea smiled and shook her head, Clay barely detected the joke within, and Glen giggled from his seat while Morgan slapped him gently.  With a very upset Taylor.  And poor little Zak and Christina happily swinging their legs in the air with mouths full of potato.  Oblivious to the conversation going around them.