Thanksgiving at the Witt House

[AUGUST WITT]

August for the most part ignored his mother as she came after him, gathering their things and accepting his sons coat from his daughter. "Go ask your mother to help get your coat on." He commanded in a gentle tone to the little girl who obediently disappeared to find her own coat. August knelt down and places Sean's coat over his small shoulders, fastening the clasps one by one with his mother near tears at his back. There was a large part of August that felt guilty for doing this to his mother. She wasn't to blame, and though he knew she didn't necessarily like the fact that her grandchildren weren't pure, she did genuinely care for the children and for him. She even liked Maxine despite what she was. She had confided that information in the past, saying she was everything she hoped he would find in a wife, save for her heritage. August refused to be bullied anymore by his father, though. He was now a husband, a father, and the provider of a family and his father needed to respect that even if he didn't agree with the terms of their situation. August loved Maxine. It had taken him a long time to admit it, either to himself or his wife, but deep down he knew there was no better match for him. She was intelligent, beautiful and strong. She could stand up to him but was capable of submitting at all the right moments. She put up with his array of shit like a champ and most importantly she was devoted to him. She still lit up when he walked into a room. She was willing to do anything for him and his children and she wouldn't put up a fight because she knew he would provide for their family. She trusted him fully, and her devotion ignited his own. There was little Maxine could do wrong in his eyes now. Sure, she upset him and he wished she acted differently at times, but all in all there were few things she could do these days to receive the wrath of August.

"August it is a holiday!" August grit his teeth as he moved with Sean towards the foyer where he could already see Maxi with Emily, helping her with her coat, his own tucked under her arm. "You're making a scene! Please, just come back in, we'll all forget this ever happened." She pleaded and the man turned to look his mother in the eye. "Maybe we could come for Christmas." He suggested, knowing Maxine wouldn't necessarily like the idea of it, but it was only a month away. He leaned in and pecked the woman's cheek. "We should meet for lunch next week." He suggested in a softer tone, though it was still firm. His mother didn't necessarily like the idea of them going but she agreed to Christmas and lunch, just barely accepting the fact that nothing she could say or do would get them to change their minds and she knew better than to expect her husband to apologize. August caught the glare his mother offered to his wife as she pulled his long coat on and ushered his small family from his parents home. Perhaps his mother would scold his father and he would behave better for the next holiday, but August wouldn't hold his breath.

The children were quiet as they were placed into their respective car seats, and August and his wife were as well. It wasn't until the doors were shut and the kids were nestled in the cool, dark vehicle that Maxine came to August, throwing her arms around his shoulders. He knew she felt bad for what happened, for taking his fathers bait and essentially ruining the evening. Sure, his father had ruined it but they could have been the bigger people and ignored him or placated him. It would have made life easier, and his mother happier, but even August knew that Maxine needed to defend herself now and then and he couldn't fault her for it.

“I love you, August.” His arms slid gently around her and he sighed into her red hair, her words so soft and meek, so unlike the woman who had stood up to his father not fifteen minutes earlier. "And I you." He said back just as softly. He felt her hands slip to his face as they pulled apart, her mouth coming to his and planting a sweet, chaste kiss upon his lips. When she pulled away he could see the modesty in her look, fearing his reaction. "I might love you more if you could learn to hold your tongue better." He teased, leaning in and pecking her lips once more. "But he did deserve to hear what was said. That doesn't mean I don't intend to punish you tonight." The smile on his lips was a devilish one as his hand slipped to her rear and gave a sudden squeeze. "Get your ass in the car." He teased lightly, reaching out and pulling the handle to open the car door for her.

The trip to his in-laws wasn't necessarily a long one. The children were obviously confused, both sad about leaving their grandparents in such haste, but excited to see the family they preferred to be around. August himself wasn't exactly looking forward to this visit, but he knew it would at least be pleasant. He didn't have much to say the Drew and Maureen, and the children were often loud and rambunctious, but the company was far more preferred. August drove with his wife's hand in his own, nestled on her lap, the children singing along to the Christmas songs that played softly on the radio. Soon Emily was talking about what she wanted Santa to bring her and spirits lifted all around. Even August seemed to slip from his funk a little with the promise of a night alone with his wife at the back of his mind. It made the noisy evening ahead seem more tolerable.

As he pulled up to the Solomon home, August turned and looked at the children. "I expect good behavior from you both." He said firmly and both kids smiled and nodded. "That means no lickng the dog, Sean." The little boy grinned mischievously. "He licked me first!" He giggled and August had to fight the smile that threatened to show. "No. Licking." He said more firmly and Emily giggled, receiving a dirty look from her father as well. The child bit her bottom lip and August turned to face forward again, his hand reaching out to open his door. Time to face the music.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

“I might love you more if you could learn to hold your tongue better.” Maxi smiled a little more though she could argue she’d held her tongue for over four years against all the other insults his father threw at her. Instead she simply closed her eyes and enjoyed August’s kiss, her hands slipping to the lapel of his coat and gripping it gently. “But he did deserve to hear what was said. That doesn’t mean I don’t intend to punish you tonight.” Her smile spread across her face, biting her bottom lip and squealing lightly as he squeezed her ass hard, moving into him as he did so. That was a kind of punishment she could look forward to. “Get your ass in the car.” She giggled softly, already feeling better and she climbed into the car once he’d opened her door. As they drove to her sister’s house, Maxi held August’s hand in her lap and spirits began to lift once more at the sound of the
Christmas music on the radio. The kids began to sing along and Maxi sang with them until Emily began to start talking about what she wanted from Santa and it was like the whole ordeal was behind them. Sean chimed in with a few of the things he wanted and Maxi listened with a warm smile. This was what family life should be like…warm and happy. Her fingers twined with August’s and she simply thanked God for what she had.

They pulled up to the Solomon household, but didn’t jump out of the car right away. She watched her husband turn back to the kids with a warning look on his face. Maxi had given the warning for his parents’ house, now it was his turn to warn the kids. “I expect good behavior from you both.” The kids nodded, but she wondered if they really processed the warning. “That means no licking the dog, Sean.” The mischievous smile on his face was so reminiscent of her own smile when she was teasing and Maxi had to hide her grin. “He licked me first!” Emily and her son laughed and she had to bite her lip to keep from laughing too, covering her mouth with her hand and she could see that August was struggling not to smile too. The two of them had actually had a pretty good laugh about that incident the night after it occurred, but Sean had been pretty severely scolded. August managed to keep his composure better, though and he got firmer. “No. Licking.” Emily giggled again but stopped when she got the stink eye from her father. Maxi on the other hand was still trying to hold back her laughter and hiding her smile but at least she was facing forward so the kids couldn’t see. Finally August moved to get out of the car and Maxi did the same thing. They unpacked the kids but Maxi thought it might be better to leave their overnight bags in the car for now, not wanting to assume her sister and brother-in-law would just take the kids for the night. Maxi was holding Sean and August was escorting Emily as they walked up to the house, the last rays of sunlight going down in the sky. She was relieved this dinner wouldn’t be nearly as awkward as the last.

August rang the doorbell and the sound of a dog barking instantly answered the call followed by a man’s voice. “Mo, quiet!” The dog followed man’s command and heavy footsteps to the door were followed by the pitter-patter of quicker ones and soft voices. Suddenly the door swung open and there was Drew and Lottie tight on his heels. Both of their faces lit up when they saw who was on the other side of the door and the little blonde jumped onto the front step and threw her arms around her cousin. Emily laughed and hugged the little girl in return, the two of them close to toppling over from the force of their hug. “Emmie! I told you, Daddy!” Drew chuckled and ran his hand over Lottie’s hair before turning back to Maxi and August. “So you did. We weren’t expecting you all so soon! We just sat down to dinner!” He reached out to give her a one armed hug which Maxi returned and which made Sean giggle. “We weren’t expecting to be here either, but there were…complications. Do you have room for four more at the table?” It was a silly question and they all knew the answer. “Of course, come on in!” Drew stepped aside to let everyone in, scooping Sean out of Maxi’s arms as she moved past so he could give him a tight little hug. Maxi in turn scooped up little Lottie in her arms and gave her a big hug in greeting, making the girl giggle. She was as lovely a little thing as her cousin but where Emily guarded her sweetness, Lottie bestowed it on everyone. The tiny girl even hugged August around the legs once her aunt set her down, chirping brightly, “Happy Thanksgiving, Uncle August!” Even he couldn’t deny how adorable the little ball of energy was. Maxi had never expected she would actually be related to Drew, but the return of her sister after a twenty-five year absence had led to a new and very loving relationship between Maureen and Drew. It didn’t take long for the two to fall head over heels for each other and a few years later they were the happiest married couple she’d ever known. Drew dipped Sean upside down a couple times making the little boy squeal and laugh with delight before he was passed back to his mother. Then the man turned to August and smiled wide, taking his hand in a firm handshake and giving a warm hello. There were no two men more opposite in the world, but Drew had never been inhospitable to his generally stoic brother-in-law. Maxi smiled between them as Emily took her turn in hugging her uncle in greeting, squeezing his long legs tightly. “Uncle Drew! Walk with me and Lottie!” Drew grinned wide and spread his legs enough that each girl could stand on one of his feet and hug around one of his legs. “Hold on tight, ladies!” The girls laughed and squealed as Drew carried them off into the dining room hanging onto his legs just as Tristan came out to see what the commotion was about and Maureen came waddling into view.

Her sister had never been so inflated and it looked so odd on the petite little woman. Maxi smiled brightly and hurried toward her, throwing her arm around Maureen as best as she could. “Oh, you didn’t have to get up, Maureen! I’m shocked you can still get around right now!” Her sister reassured her though and Maxi happily gave her son over to be doted on by his aunt. Tristan stood in front of her, his auburn hair cut neatly around his already handsome face and he gave Maxi a big smile. She bent down to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek with a big smile. “Happy Thanksgiving, Tristan! Goodness, you get taller every time I see you! What do they feed you?” “Food.” The boy’s simple answer made her laugh and she ushered him into the dining room by the shoulders, feeling a million times lighter and happier. She looked over at her husband and she was certain she was probably glowing with happiness. If only they could have this relationship with his parents…But at least they had it here!

[DREW SOLOMON]

Drew was convinced he was the happiest man on Earth. The man had a good, stable job, a warm and comfortable home with a big yard for the dog and the kids to play in. He had a handsome, bright son and a beautiful, sweet daughter and two more little girls on the way. More important than anything, though, was the beautiful woman who held it all together. Maureen was the center of his entire universe and it was only because of her that he was the happiest man on Earth. Without her, the stars wouldn’t even shine. Drew had known perhaps three or five bad days since reuniting with his wife all those years ago. Of course she hadn’t been his wife then, but it was the start of the life they had now. He was thankful for all of these things every day, but today he was especially mindful of it. Maureen had insisted on doing most of the cooking even though Drew offered to help about a million times. She was very big on keeping up with holiday family traditions even when she was big with two babies. So Drew had been more helpful by keeping his kids and the dog busy most of the day. First they had breakfast and watched the parade in the morning, much to the delight of little Lottie though Tristan was very excited to see the Power Rangers’ float go by. They played football in the yard for a few hours in the late morning and early afternoon then all of them got clean and dressed for the holiday and even Mo the family labradoodle got a bath. By mid afternoon everyone was exhausted and the only things cooking were those that needed time to cook so all went down for a nap in front of the television, Lottie curled up with her mother on the couch, Tristan sprawled out on the floor with Mo as a pillow and Drew reclining in his favorite chair. Even Mrs. Fluff, the all white puffball of a cat came to sleep on the back of the couch just above her mistress. It wasn’t until the buzzer on the oven went off to signal the casserole was done that they all woke up, refreshed and ready to play board games until it was time to set the table…well, all except Mrs. Fluff because she needed her beauty sleep.

Finally it was time to get ready for their feast and the kids helped as this time Drew insisted on taking over the set up. The food was set, the dog was gated in the family room for dinner, and just as they were sitting down to eat, the doorbell rang. Immediately Mo began barking up a storm so Drew silenced him with a, “Mo, quiet!” Drew looked across the table at his wife who looked as confused by the sound as he was, both knowing his sister-in-law and her family weren’t supposed to be there for another hour or so. “Did Max call and say she would be early?” he asked as he pushed back from the table. Maureen said she hadn’t just as Lottie was sliding out of her chair too. “It’s Emmie and Auntie Maxi and Uncle August and Sean!” He could tell the girl to sit back down, but he knew there was no use—she always got excited when she knew Emily Witt was making an appearance. The two girls were practically inseparable, almost twins themselves since Emily was only a few months older than Lottie. “Are you sure, Buttercup?” he asked with a playful smile. “Yes! You said they were coming!” Her soft, high-pitched voice was almost exasperated as if her dad was just so forgetful and Drew had to laugh quietly. When they reached the door, Drew swung it open and sure enough, there was the whole small Witt family. He smiled wide at the sight of them, not the least put off by their unannounced arrival. Lottie practically pounced on Emily, throwing her arms around her cousin’s neck and the two girls giggled as they hugged. “Emmie! I told you, Daddy!” Lottie said triumphantly, her bright little smile lighting up her whole lovely face. Sometimes he feared how much attention his beautiful little girl would attract in her older years, but for now it warmed his heart to see his little princess so happy. “So you did.” He turned back to Maxi and August and after finding out that some complications led them to their doorstep they were there for dinner. There wouldn’t be any leftovers tomorrow, but who cared about that? The more the merrier! Drew invited them right in and everyone exchanged greetings and hugs and kisses and even August got a hug from little Lottie Solomon. Drew played with little Sean and laughed at the way the little boy squealed and laughed, his big blue eyes lit up with delight.

“Uncle Drew! Walk with me and Lottie!” Drew grinned from ear to ear between his niece and his daughter, knowing how much they simply loved this game. It was a game they had been playing for years and while August didn’t seem to wholly approve of it, Drew knew he couldn’t say no when it made Emily laugh like it did. He knew how the man felt when it came to being a sucker for his daughter. He stood in Superman pose, his hands on his waist and his legs spread apart so the girls could latch on. “Hold on tight, ladies!” he warned before he started waddling to the dining room with two giggling and squealing little girls on his legs. With a grin he moved past his wife and son and into the dining room. The sisters and his son all exchanged greetings and while Drew saw Tristan shake his uncle’s hand, he didn’t hear anything that was spoken with the girls on his legs. “Daddy, keep walking!” He looked down at the girls and then jumped like he was surprised to see them. “Ah! What are these things?” The girls laughed and he shook his legs a little, just enough to bounce them and they laughed even more. Tristan came into the room grinning while the other adults hung back to talk in a circle. It looked like Maxi was giving some kind of explanation and she set a squirming Sean down to do it. Drew looked at the boys with a dramatic look of desperation. “Tristan! Sean! Help me! They won’t let go!” The boys smiled wide and rushed forward, Sean more toddling as he followed Tristan’s lead and the girls held tighter as the boys gently grabbed their sisters’ arms. Everyone was laughing and soon enough the girls let go to shoo away the boys just in time for Drew to notice August coming in with extra plates and silverware. It was obvious he’d been sent bearing the gifts from the women and Drew smiled as he stepped forward and took them to set them up on the table, grabbing extra placemats from the sideboard as he passed. “How are you, August? Your parents doing okay?” he asked to make polite conversation. Even if the man was pretty closed off, Drew knew how to be civil to his brother-in-law. Together they set the extra places at the table while the kids took their seats and before long Maxi came in with the booster seat from the basement for Sean to use. She was followed by a waddling Maureen and Drew moved to her side to help her to her seat. “This is a nice surprise, hm?” he said in a soft voice to her, giving her a kind smile as he walked beside her. He kissed her temple as he did so, a silent show of affection for the love of his life.

[AUGUST WITT]

August stood patiently at the door waiting for his in-laws to answer. He still wasn't thrilled about dropping in on them like this, but he supposed it was better than eating at a restaurant and he knew it would make the rest of his family more than a little happy to be coming so much earlier. Immediately the dog started to bark and the man could feel the beginnings of a headache throb in the back of his head. August wasn't big on animals, and would be happy never owning a pet though both ladies of the house were pestering him for a cat. He'd already made it clear that he had no intention to cave at his original answer; no. The door finally swung opened and the Witt's were greeted by the hulking Drew and his tiny blond daughter. “Emmie! I told you, Daddy!” August had to admit that Lottie was a cute little girl. She had a kind disposition, similar to his own daughter, though she was far more outgoing and excitable. Still, he couldn't deny the sight of the girls together warming his cold heart slightly. “So you did. We weren’t expecting you all so soon! We just sat down to dinner!”

The greetings began and August was mostly quiet, smiling politely as the four were ushered in. Maxine was kind enough to explain their complicated start to the evening and he wasn't surprised by how willing Drew was to set four extra plates. What did surprise him was the hug he received from his niece. “Happy Thanksgiving, Uncle August!” He pushed a small smile on his face, not sure he would ever understand what this little girl liked so much about him. "And to you, Charlotte." He offered back, patting her gently on the head before being met with big, piercing blue eyes so much more vibrant than her mothers.

August already began to feel uncomfortable. He'd been over plenty of times and he was always greeted with kindness, but it was these warm and fuzzy surroundings that made him feel uneasy. Drew was playing with Sean and making him laugh in such a way that August could not. He was warm and friendly with the children, and when the men's daughters asked to ride on his legs he let his guard down completely and acted like a grown child to please them. August could never act so silly, especially with someone else's children. Sure, he had played with his own kids, but not like Drew did and there was a bitter part of August that envied Drew's ability to let loose while August couldn't relax enough to be silly. He looked away, trying not to scowl as his brother in law left with the girls and Maureen greeted them instead. One look at her and August immediately felt frightened that Maxine would get some crazy idea that she wanted more. He hadn't wanted Emily and when Sean came he was just as uncertain at the idea. Children had never been in his plan, but then again neither had marriage. But low and behold he had both and he watched Maxine warily to see if she got that look in her eyes as she hugged her swollen sister.

“Oh, you didn’t have to get up, Maureen! I’m shocked you can still get around right now!” Maureen giggled and brushed her sisters comment away. "Are you kidding me? I'm hoping if I walk enough it'll encourage these two to come out sooner. If you think carrying one is hard, try two! I just want them out" She teased with a laugh wrapping her arms tight around Maxine. August watched the sisters reunite and it still amazed him. When he'd met Maxine the girl had been a ghost, and there she was, alive and well with two children and two more due any day. It was truly miraculous. “Happy Thanksgiving, Tristan! Goodness, you get taller every time I see you! What do they feed you?” “Food.” It was the first time August genuinely smiled. Tristan had always been a good lad, and he hoped that Sean might end up like him, maybe a little less rambunctious, though. "Happy Thanksgiving, August." August hadn't noticed the his sister in law approach. Her arms were warm as they slid around his neck and she wrapped him in a genuinely kind hug as though she were truly glad to see him. He put an arm around her as well, again feeling a little unease. "Likewise." He said back. "Thank you for allowing us to crash supper." The woman waved it off and laughed. "Are you kidding? The more the merrier. You're all welcome any time, you know that." August nodded and followed the women as they went to the kitchen. "Here, let me just get some more place settings out." August turned his head towards the dining room where the kids and Drew were all playing. The clanking of plates caught his attention and he moved to help Maureen get the dishes that were high up before bringing them all in both hands to the dining table.

August watched the children wrestling around on the ground and part of him felt a little annoyed, knowing how much care went into getting the children groomed just so, but he wasn't about to scold them and become the bad guy when they had humbly asked to intrude on supper. Drew rushed over and took some of the things from his arms. “How are you, August? Your parents doing okay?” In most cases August might think a question like that was a mocking one, but from Drew he knew he meant well. "They and I are all doing well, thank you." He replied softly, putting the silverware out. It was quiet for a moment, mostly because he had no idea what to say to the man who stood nearly a head taller than him. They had nothing in common other than their wives, and though August would be pleasant he still had no idea what to say to the Solomon's when making light conversation. Fortunately the girls came in, Maxine with Charlotte's old booster seat. He turned back to the children and frowned. "Emily, Sean, off the floor." He said in a soft, but firm voice. Emily giggled but got to her feet, grabbing her cousin by the hand. "I want to sit next to Lottie!" She insisted. "We wouldn't separate you two!" Maureen insisted, her tone indicating she wouldn't believe his daughter would dream of such a thing. "We'll just move Tristan down one and squeeze Sean in over here. Honey would you go grab the extra chairs from the kitchen?" Maureen asked sweetly and August followed the man to the other room to aid him, grabbing one of the two chairs needed.

Once the family was all moved and seated, the feast was ready to begin. "Aunt Maureen, I did grace at grandma and grandpa's just like you do!" Emily gushed and then pouted slightly. "Grandma liked it but grandpa got mad." She explained and August felt his face heat up slightly, his eyes moving to his wife for a moment. How had the simple comment suddenly make him feel like the bad guy? "Well some people don't say grace at the supper table sweetheart, and that's okay. It brings light to some and to others it's a bit of a hindrance, but we don't love those people any less." How was it that Maureen could explain these things not offend him? The man stayed quiet, refusing to look anyone in the eye. "I think it would be wonderful if you would say grace here, though." For now August decided to bite his tongue. They could talk to their in laws later about pushing religion on the children, but for now he was glad that they were in good company and about to be fed.

[MAUREEN ABERDEEN]

Maureen was truly blessed. Every day she got to spend with her family seemed like another gift from God. She had even come to terms with her accident and was, in many ways, glad it happened. Yes, she had missed out on many years with her sister, and many of the memories of her life as a girl were still gone, but she had enough to make her content. But mostly if she had never hit her head she would have never been able to see her childhood best friend as the partner he was to her today, and they wouldn't have the two, almost four wonderful children they had together. Maxine might not have met August, and she might not have the sweet, intelligent niece and nephew she had either. It had been God's plan and she thanked him daily for his blessing, and there was no finer day to show thanks than on Thanksgiving. The day had been a wonderful one, full of cooking, playing, and loads of family bonding. Maureen was glad her two children had a chance to grow and enjoy their parents before their little sisters arrivals, which couldn't come soon enough!

All of Maureen's favorite things were on the menu for the evening. She was disappointed her brother and his children weren't able to come down, but she was glad they would be able to make it for Christmas. Maureen hated having to share him with her wonderful sister in laws family, but she understood and they would get them next Thanksgiving. Plus her own sister would be coming for dessert! Naturally they had plenty of food to go around and Maureen enjoyed every second of preparing it, even though Drew tried to butt in. It was fun letting the kids help and for the first time both her children could genuinely enjoy cooking with her, which made the holiday all the more wonderful.

After a long day of fun and preparations it was finally time to sit down and eat. Maureen was exhausted, even with the three extra sets of hands helping and the nap that afternoon. She couldn't wait for the twins to be born so she could attempt to regain some amount of energy, though she knew plenty of sleepless nights were in her future. But just as they were sitting down to supper the doorbell rang. Drew hushed the dog and then looked across the table at her. She offered a quizzical look in return. “Did Max call and say she would be early?” Maureen had baby brain something fierce and had become very forgetful, but she wouldn't have forgotten that! "She didn't call me." She offered innocently as their daughter got up from the table and rushed off. “It’s Emmie and Auntie Maxi and Uncle August and Sean!” “Are you sure, Buttercup?” “Yes! You said they were coming!” Maureen giggled and looked at her husband with an endearing smile. "You did say that." She said with a laugh, reaching over and patting her sons hand before slowly getting up from her seat. It wasn't easy with such a big belly!

The commotion at the door told her it was, in fact, her sister and her husband. Could they be done supper early? Maybe she got the times mixed up? That seemed more possible.. Maureen got to the front of the house just as Drew was walking away with the girls on either leg. She reached down best she could and offered a tickle to her niece who shrieked with laughter as her husband went on. “Oh, you didn’t have to get up, Maureen! I’m shocked you can still get around right now!” Maureen giggled and brushed her sisters comment away. "Are you kidding me? I'm hoping if I walk enough it'll encourage these two to come out sooner. If you think carrying one is hard, try two! I just want them out" She teased with a laugh wrapping her arms tight around her sister. Maureen never took seeing her sister for granted, and often treated each visit like it might be her last. There was still a small traumatized part of her that feared losing it all over again, and the thought frightened her so she always made sure her sister knew how important she was to her. Maureen pulled back and allowed her son to greet his aunt and uncle, chuckling at his silly answer. Then she moved to her brother in law, wrapping her arms around him as well. She knew he wasn't nearly as comfortable with showing affection as the rest of his family, but she offered her love just the same, knowing that deep down he was a good man, and he was good to her sister. He didn't openly show it, but Maureen could see he did the things he did out of love, and though they weren't her ways, she respected him all the same. "Happy Thanksgiving, August." "Likewise. Thank you for allowing us to crash supper." He was always so proper. "Are you kidding?" She teased with a giggle. "The more the merrier. You're all welcome any time, you know that." She pulled back and began to waddle back to the kitchen. "Here, let me just get some more place settings out." She started getting everything out and let August take over, bringing everything to the dining room.

Maureen talked with her sister for a moment before sending her off to the basement to fetch the booster seat, and Maureen went through the dishes in her mind making sure there was enough for everyone. The kids wouldn't eat much, which meant there would be plenty. Still enough after for leftovers for the next few nights! Maxine came back up and the girls moved to the dining room, the kids running around and playing. "This is a nice surprise, hm?” She giggled and turned up to him, smiling. "It is." She said back, her voice more genuine than his. She was more than happy to have her sister and her family there with her. The woman beamed as her husband planted a soft kiss on her tample as he helped her into her chair, something she felt she was more than capable of doing but loved that Drew thought to help anyway.

"Emily, Sean, off the floor." Came August's voice and the children all, even her own, got up and scurried to the table. "I want to sit next to Lottie!" Emily insisted and Maureen had to laugh. "We wouldn't separate you two!" She insisted, her tone indicating she wouldn't believe her niece would dream of such a thing. "We'll just move Tristan down one and squeeze Sean in over here. Honey would you go grab the extra chairs from the kitchen?" She asked sweetly and both men went to fetch the extra seats.

The group was finally settled for supper and Maureen was about to ask everyone to hold hands for grace when her niece piped up once more. "Aunt Maureen, I did grace at grandma and grandpa's just like you do!" Emily gushed and then pouted slightly. "Grandma liked it but grandpa got mad." Maureen was well aware of Augusts family dynamics, at least according to her sister. There was very little the girls didn't talk about it seemed, other than their sex lives. "Well some people don't say grace at the supper table sweetheart, and that's okay." She explained, trying to be gentle and courteous to her sister and her husband. "It brings light to some and to others it's a bit of a hindrance, but we don't love those people any less. I think it would be wonderful if you would say grace here, though." Emily immediately lit up and told everyone to hold hands. The group was more willing to oblige and all, even August, bowed their heads in respect. "Dear Jesus, we thank you for each new morning with its light, for rest and shelter of the night, for health and food, for love and friends, for everything Thy goodness sends. For happy hearts and sunny weather; we thank you that we're all together. For this yummy feast we give our thanks to Thee, and pray that other families may be as blessed as we. Amen." Amen's reverberated around the table and Maureen beamed at her niece. "You did a wonderful job! You should be very proud of yourself." Emily bit her lower lip and Maureen could tell by her body language that she was swinging her feet under the table. "Alright, what do you all say we dig in?"

Food was passed all around the table and plates were filled. There was enough out for everyone to ave some and the chatter around the table was loud and mostly amusing. The kids banter was priceless and it pleased Maureen to no end to have them all there together for the holiday. As the children finished up, the adults allowed them to go run off and play so that they might endure some adult conversation without nosy little ears listening in. "Well, as sorry as I am that supper didn't work out at your parents, August, I'm so glad you guys were able to come over. Lottie's been talking about playing with Emmie all day!" She laughed and reached out for her husbands hand, squeezing it lightly and giving him a soft smile. "I think Tristan's been looking forward to her coming, too. Now he doesn't have to entertain his sister as much!"

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi came into the dining room and was greeted by all four kids running around and wrestling each other on the floor. While she found it endearing and grinned at the sight, she knew August wouldn’t so much and sure enough his voice broke through the commotion. “Emily, Sean, off the floor.”[/b] Even though he only addressed their kids, Tristan and Lottie jumped from the floor too and all scurried toward the table, Lottie and Emily hand in hand. “I want to sit next to Lottie!” Maxi smiled wider, always finding it sweet how close her daughter was to her cousin. She had a second cousin, August’s cousin’s daughter, that she liked playing with, but the two girls didn’t get to see each other as often as Lottie and Emily did. Maureen’s children were really the only kids her daughter opened up around. Still, Maxi thought it was important for Emily and Sean to be exposed to both species of her heritage and she tried to arrange play dates with Eponine as much as she could. “We wouldn’t separate you two!”[/b] Maureen’s voice drew Maxi’s eyes and she smiled wider in agreement. “We’ll just move Tristan down one and squeeze Sean in over here. Honey would you go grab the extra chairs from the kitchen?”[/b] Drew happily agreed and Maxi smiled warmly as her own husband followed suit to help her brother-in-law.

Once everyone was seated and adjusted, Maxi made to grab her husband’s hand for Grace when her daughter’s voice drew her eyes curiously. “Aunt Maureen, I did Grace at Grandma and Grandpa’s just like you do!” The way she pouted after saying the words made her even more curious. “Grandma liked it but Grandpa got mad.” From the mouths of babes—Maxi glanced to her husband and caught his eye, seeing the embarrassment on his face even though it was very subtle. She discreetly took his hand beneath the table, her fingers twining with his. He didn’t need to be embarrassed in front of her family and Maureen proved that with her next statement. “Well some people don't say grace at the supper table sweetheart, and that's okay. It brings light to some and to others it's a bit of a hindrance, but we don't love those people any less. I think it would be wonderful if you would say grace here, though.”[/b] She had a way of diffusing almost all sticky situations and Maxi smiled warmly at her sister. Both sisters had a very warm and motherly presence, but Maxi was a little more frantic in bad situations where her sister was almost always calm. Emily immediately brightened up once more and she instructed everyone to hold hands for Grace once more. Grace was said just as eloquently by her daughter as it had been at the in-laws’ house only this time it left a pleasant and warm feeling in the air. At the end everyone said amen and Maxi looked up to Emily, seeing her looking quite proud of herself. “You did a wonderful job! You should be very proud of yourself.”[/b] She bit her lip as her mother was wont to do and Maxi could tell she was swinging her little legs under the table. Her stormy eyes landed on Maxi as she beamed at her daughter and she said softly, “Yes, that was lovely, sweet pea.” She loved to see the bright smile that lit up her little Emily’s face. “Alright, what do you all say we dig in?”[/b]

It was a much brighter and happier Thanksgiving than they possibly could have had at August’s parents’ house. There was talking and laughter and smiles all around, even from August, not to mention good food and wine. It didn’t matter that Sean ended up with mashed potatoes all over his face or that Emily had said Grace. Everyone just enjoyed themselves and shared funny stories and memories all around. The kids finished their dinners and were permitted to go play elsewhere (after Sean had been cleaned of Thanksgiving dinner). It left the adults sitting around the table, Drew taking a seat beside his wife so he was closer to everyone. “Well, as sorry as I am that dinner didn’t work out at your parents’, August, I’m glad you guys were able to come over. Lottie’s been talking about playing with Emmie all day! I think Tristan’s been looking forward to her coming, too. Now he doesn’t have to entertain his sister as much!”[/b] Maxi laughed and shook her head lightly, taking her husband’s hand under the table once more. “And Emmie and Sean have been talking about coming over here all day too. Actually Sean asked me before dinner began at August’s parents when he could play with Tris. Just you watch, though. After dessert, Sean is going to pass out from all of this running around.” And she was right. The adults talked for a good half hour or so before they called the kids back for pie and ice cream. Everyone moved to the family room and soon enough Sean was climbing into his mother’s lap and resting his head on her shoulder. He was fast asleep within minutes, his chubby face nestled in Maxi’s hair while she rubbed his back gently. After that she asked the other kids to move upstairs to their playroom so they wouldn’t wake the littlest one among them. It seemed an appropriate time to ask if the kids could stay the night, which her sister and brother-in-law gladly agreed to.

At around eight-thirty as the girls were getting into their PJs, Maxi slipped Sean into one of the cribs set for the babies upstairs with a little fussing from him about sleeping in his big boy bed. It didn’t take long to calm him, though, and Emily was more than happy to spend the night with Lottie. She gave both of her parents a kiss for good night before scurrying back to play with Lottie a little more. Maxi and August said goodbye to their nephew as well and then to her sister and brother-in-law with multiple thank yous. Finally they were out of the house and Maxi gave a sigh as she linked her arm with her husband’s, something she’d been doing pretty much since they’d started dating. “So, Mr. Witt, what sort of plans do you have for me this evening?” she asked with a wicked grin and flirty eyes. The night was still so young.