Missing Pieces

Chapter 29: Such Excitement

Emma bounced into Rory's room early Monday morning, already excited to leave for their trip.  She'd been packed for two days and was constantly talking about everything they were going to do over the week in New York City.  She and Rory hadn't traveled much, and Finn's descriptions of the things they were going to do on her trip had her quite anxious for the coming fun.

"Mommy, Finny!  Today's the day!" Emma squealed as she launched herself in between them in bed.  "Wake up, wake up!  We go on vacation today!"

Finn and Rory stirred in bed, and Rory couldn't help but fall more in love as Emma curled into Finn's open arms and snuggled up to him. 

"Good morning there, Little Love.  Are you excited for our trip?" Finn asked sleepily.

"I'm so excited, Finny!  We're going to have the best time ever, and we even get to stay in one of your hotels!" Emma was over-the-moon about every part of this trip, but it particularly excited her to know that Finn's family owned the hotel they were staying in.

"Well, why don't you go get dressed and I'll get your mom out of bed, okay?  We can all get ready and go out for breakfast and then leave for New York," Finn suggested.

Emma hopped up out of bed and tore off to her room to get dressed.  Finn smiled as Rory rolled into his arms and kissed him.

"Good morning," she whispered sleepily.

"Morning, Kitten.  You ready to get up and start this day?  Em's going to burst from excitement at any moment," Finn chuckled.

Rory wrinkled up her nose adorably, and Finn couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm quite happy here in bed with you, but I guess we should get up and get ready.  Is it okay if I hop in the shower first, since it takes me longer to get ready?" Rory asked.

"Of course.  You shower and I'll make sure Emma isn't wearing shorts and a tank top in the middle of December."

Finn and Rory got out of bed, both going their separate ways to prepare for the day.  While Rory got into the shower, Finn started a pot of coffee and ducked into Emma's room to check on her progress.  She'd dressed herself in a pair of jeans and a sweater and was currently struggling to put her boots on.

"Need help there, Em?" Finn asked after watching her for a minute.

"Please.  They're so hard to get on," she complained.

Finn sat down next to her on the bed and pulled her feet into his lap.  He made quick work of her boots and then stood back up.  Just before he walked out of Emma's room, he heard her sweet little voice.

"Hey, Finny?"  Finn turned around and smiled at her.

"Yes, Love?"

"Thank you for taking care of me and Mommy.  We like you being here," Emma finished softly.

Finn smiled broadly, a truly happy smile, and and walked over to where Emma was standing.  He knelt in front of her and hugged her tightly.  "I like being here with you and your mom, sweet girl," Finn whispered.

*                    *                    *

Finn pulled up in front of Morgans Hotel New York, one of their flagship locations, amidst Emma's excited chattering.  "We're here!" she squealed excitedly.

Finn put his SUV into park and chuckled at Emma's exuberance.  "That we are, Em."

Rory unbuckled Emma and got her out of the car on the passenger side while Finn retrieved their bags from the back and loaded them onto the waiting luggage cart.  He handed the keys off to the valet and they all walked inside together.  Emma was immediately pulling Rory from one side of the room to the next, pointing out things she loved.  Finn just shook his head - it was crazy how much he loved those girls and their excitement for life - and walked to the front desk.

"Good morning, Mr. Morgan.  We're delighted to have you here for the week.  The family suite is all set for your arrival.  Can I get you anything?" the concierge, Frank, asked.

"No, but thank you, Frank.  I've taken care of all of our arrangements for the week myself.  I appreciate your offer, though."

Finn left the luggage cart in the bellhop's capable hands and joined Emma and Rory in their exploration of the grand lobby.

Emma pulled them both over to the huge decorated Christmas tree and jumped up and down.  "Mommy, can we please have a picture of us in front of the Christmas tree?" Emma begged.

"Of course, sweetie," Rory answered.

Finn took his phone out and began to step back to snap a picture of his girls in front of the tree, but Emma quickly grabbed his hand and stopped him.  "You have to be in the picture too, Finny - you're part of our family!" Emma demanded sweetly.

Finn looked to Rory and she shrugged and nodded at him.  He smiled and walked back to Frank at the front desk.

"It appears there is something you could help me with, Frank.  Think you could take a picture of me with my girls over there?" Finn asked.

"Of course, sir." Frank had known the younger Mr. Morgan for many years, but this was the first time he had seen him with a child who wasn't related to him.  "Your family?" Frank asked quietly as they walked back over to Rory and Emma.

Finn hesitated a moment to consider his words.  "My girlfriend and her daughter, but yes, they are my family," he admitted.

"They're lucky to have you, sir."

Finn looked up and smiled.  "Actually, Frank, I'm the luckiest man in the world to have them."

Finn joined Rory and Emma next to the tree and put his arms around two of the most important people in his life.  They smiled for several pictures and then Finn took his camera back from Frank and ushered them into the elevator.  They rode to the top floor in a comfortable silence, all three of them thinking about how great this week together was going to be.