Those Amber Eyes

Chapter 43 - Thankful

POV: Sophia

The table has been set, the food has been placed on the sideboard, and we are all ready to eat. While everyone made their way to the table, I looked around the room, and my heart swells with love.

Scarlett and Ashlyn found their way back to one another, expecting a child together. Alexandra found her family. Her sibling Jamie, her Aunt Agnes, and Elizabeth, the love of her life. Hunter and Lauren finally admitted their feelings for one another.

I look over the table and smile. I am so thankful for this family and the genuine love we all share.

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POV: Robert

As I sit here, looking over my family, a sense of pride swells in me. I am a remarkably blessed man. My beautiful wife of 45 years, my children, and our friends.

"May I have your attention please," I said, as all heads turned towards me. "Today is a day of reflection and of thanks. I look around this room and my heart swells with love and pride. I have so many things to be thankful for today. My beautiful wife of 45 years, my children, my grandchildren, dear friends that are more like family, and new friends.

This year has had its difficulties, but we have seen our way through each storm. So, before I cut these birds, let's go around the table and say what we are thankful for. Let's start with you, my love."

"Honestly, Robert, like you, I am thankful for everyone at this table. My children, my grandchildren, our dear extended family. For all of us to be here under one roof."

"For me, I am thankful for second chances. Without them, I wouldn't have the love of my life beside me, and a son on the way," Ashlyn said, smiling at Scarlett.

"I am thankful for my daughter. While her Mother and I did not work out, I am thankful she found her love, and they accepted Rose, as if she was her own," Romain added softly.

"I am thankful for my family. This is the first Thanksgiving I have ever celebrated, and I am so thankful for Alex, and Lizzie, and Aunty Agnes," Jamie added quietly.

"I am thankful for this family, for taking in a complete stranger, and showing me love. What should have been the worst weekend of my life, turned into the most unforgettable. You embraced me as your own, and introduced me to the love of my life," Lizzie said, smiling at Alex.

"I too am thankful for second chances and forgiveness. I somehow lost what was important to me a long time ago, and thanks to the family, I have the missing pieces all together again," Melanie said, squeezing Sophia's hand.

"I am eternally grateful for you, Robert and Sophia. The way you opened your home and your hearts to Alexandra when she was wounded, and for offering her the love she deserved. She is the woman she is today, because of the love and kindness you showed her," Agnes said.

"Me Ashy," wee Rose said, as she snuggled into my daughters chest. We all chuckled at the small girl's innocence, as Ashlyn kissed her head.

As I stood to carve the turkey, I smiled at my family. That's what today is all about, family.

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POV: Jarnie

After the wonderful meal and cleaning the kitchen, we moved to the front porch for coffee and watched the kids playing in the front yard. Instead of football, unlike most families, they were playing soccer.

"They really are nothing but giant kids themselves," Scarlett said, laughing at Ashlyn carrying Rose as she played. The little girl squealed with delight.

"I'm trying to figure out HOW they are playing after all that food," Ashley added.

"Oh honey, when Ashlyn was younger, she could eat a six course meal and play a full game, and be starving again," Sophia said laughing.

"Alex was the same way. The amount of food she could eat never ceases to amaze me," Agnes added.

"How are you feeling, Agnes? Lizzie mentioned that you are undergoing treatment for breast cancer."

"I am healing. I had a double mastectomy six weeks ago, and thank the Lord, my margins were clear. As of right now, they see no reason to undergo chemo. They caught it early," Agnes replied.

"That's wonderful. I know that has to be a weight lifted."

"Yes, it was. I feel truly blessed."

"You know, Alex spoke very highly of you when we met. She credits you for saving her, and making her the woman she is today."

"I don't feel that way. I hate what my brother did to her after her Mother passed, and I wish I would have known sooner. I didn't make the same mistake with Jamie."

"Agnes, Alex, told us what you told her. She loves and adores you, as does Jamie."

"GO JAMIE GO!!! GO!!!!!!!!" Lizzie screamed, making us all turn to the yard as we watched Jamie score a goal.

"So much like her sister," Agnes said laughing.

I wrapped my arm around the smaller woman. I see now why my Lizzie fell in love with this family, they are truly one of a kind.

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POV: Sophia

We had such a wonderful day. Meeting Lizzie's family, watching the kids play, sitting around the fire. The perfect end to the perfect day. Sitting on the porch with Robert, sipping a glass of wine.

"Today was amazing, wasn't it, sweetheart?"

"It really was. Lord, we had a house full, didn't we?"

"That we did," Robert said, chuckling softly.

"I was surprised that everyone behaved. I expected, with all these people, we would have had some drama."

"I think we have had enough drama for a lifetime, don't you think, my love?"

"Lord, yes."

"Today was what I have always dreamed of. To have my whole family, under one roof, for the Thanksgiving meal, and God willing, I will have them together again for Christmas."

"Robert, my love, you know you're going to have to tell them at some point."

"I will, my heart. When the time is right."

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A/N: A bit of a fluffy Thanksgiving for everyone.

A/N: FLUFFYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY I love it. I hope that everyone who celebrates thanksgiving had a good one. --W.

Word Count: 1004