Grace Taylor Hudson

Chapter 9

<Katy POV>

As soon as we got onto the highway Grace turned to me. "Well that wasn't so bad, was it?" "Mmmmm... Nope. Not too bad..." "Yeah..." It went quiet for a few minutes.

"So, um. Just so you're not caught off-guard. Shannon, Markus, Mia,Johnny and a few other people are at the house. They wanted to surprise you, but I figured you might as well know so you're not overwhelmed. A-a-are you okay with that?" I looked over at her, studying her facial expressions while I waited for an answer. "Yeah, yeah. That's fine. But only if they help unpack all of my crap!" We both laughed, "Of course! Originally I'd just asked Johnny and David to help us unpack. Then Shannon called me earlier begging to come over. They all wanna see you in person! Just make sure you act surprised to please them. They'd never forgive me for ruining it." "Oh gosh. Alright."

"Also, let me know if you get uncomfortable and want me to kick them all out okay? Or if you get too overwhelmed tell me." "I will." "Promise?" "Promise." "Okay good!"

By a few I meant most of the usual crew plus David and Angela. Svend was out of town or something like that. I'd even gotten my parents to come see their granddaughter. This is her homecoming and in a way mine. It's us being together as mother and daughter in front of everybody I know and care deeply for.

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We got out of the car and walked up to the door; there were no lights on and absolutely no cars in the driveway. "Wow. They're taking this surprise thing really seriously aren't they?" "Yup. Go big or go home. That's how we all roll!" I replied in a gangster accent causing her to giggle. She took the keys from me and unlocked the door, turning the handle and opening it into a dark foyer before all of the lights were switched on.

"SURPRISE!" Shannon jumped out first, the spaz, then came everybody else behind. I felt Grace grab onto my arm and looked over to see the widest grin on her face, which was slightly pink due to all of the eyes on us.

She looked around again taking it all in but this time she squealed with excitement. "RACH! Oh my gosh!" She looked at me asking the question with her eyes. I nodded and chuckled, "Go on, go see her!" She squealed again and ran over to her best friend. Shannon walked over to me and bumped me with her hip, "Wassup sexy momma?" I rolled my eyes, "Hey slut. Thanks for organizing all of this." I motioned to all of the people I loved standing and chatting in the main parts of my house. She shrugged, "Anytime. Do you think we overwhelmed her? She looks exactly like you! When I saw you guys standing up there together it was kind of freaky. Not gonna lie." "Hahahah, thanks Shan. I kinda mentioned we'd have visitors to avoid scaring her... don't be mad!" "Eh. It's whatever."

"Did everybody show up?" "Yup, oh! Speaking of everyone, you should probably make your rounds with Grace before they're all boozed up.Also David and your dad are unloading boxes, they're putting them in the bigger guest room." "You're right. I'll go get her. Thanks times a bagillion Shannon. I really mean it." I hugged her then went to find my baby.

It took me five minutes to get to Grace, everybody I trusted with this secret was here and I had been stopped by a tipsy Markus and Johnny who were babbling about some hot guy they saw earlier today and how they fought over him. "Guys, that's great. But I need to get my Gracie so we can go say hi to everyone. Okay?" "Alright, she's so precious Katy!" Yeah! A much cuter version of you in my opinion." I rolled my eyes and walked over to where she and Rachel were talking animatedly; Rachel looked up and made eye contact with me causing her mouth to drop and eyes to go wide. "Hey Rachel! I'm Katy, thanks for coming. I hope Shannon wasn't too rude or creepy when she asked you to come?" "Uh-um." Grace nudged her, "No, no. Not at all. Thanks for -um- inviting me." "You're welcome here anytime sweetheart!" I turned to Grace and cocked an eyebrow , "You ready to go meet everybody?" "Ummm..." she looked over at Rachel, silently asking her if she'd be okay, who nodded approval. "Yeah, let's go."

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I put my arm around her shoulder protectively and kissed her head. "I love you." "I love you too Katy. Sorry about Rachel... she worships you, but you probably know that after meeting her at that concert." We both giggled, "She's a cute little KatyCat! You told her everything already right?" "Yeah, that night after the concert was when I told her. She claimed she 'knew all along' because our 'eyes are identical'." "Well, they kinda are!" "Oh shut up."

"Katy!" I turned around to see who had called my name and saw Tamra making her way over to us with a smile on her face. "Tam! Hiiiii!" I gave her a one armed hug since my other arm was still wrapped around Grace's shoulders. "Hey Grace! How's it going? I'm Tamra." She waved to my daughter then looked over at me, "Betcha never thought this day would never come?" "Amen to that." "You guys are so cute! Bradford wanted you to say hi to him next. He said it's because he's 'been waiting the longest'. What a brat!" All three of us laughed, "Alright!"

We walked over to Bradford, then Johnny who was accompanied by Markus, and so on until we'd made it around to nearly everybody; all that were left were my parents, David, and Angela. I'd saved them for last for a reason. Shannon had started ushering everybody out so that we could have a 'private family bonding session'.

"Hey Kate, I'm gonna head out. I cleaned most of the food and stuff up." "Oh wait, I'll walk you out. Grace went upstairs to change into her pajamas." I walked Shannon to the foyer and hugged her, "I'm so thankful right now Shan. Thanks for being here through most of this..." "Katy, as your best friend this is my job. I love you and I love Grace, so basically I'm her aunt." I ran my fingers through my hair, "You best clean up your act if you're going to be an aunt to Grace! Get outta here!" "Byeeee!"

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I went back into the living room where everybody else was seated, Grace was on the couch next to David who was making her laugh. It was the most beautiful sight. My whole family together. No longer missing that one piece. Finally complete. I sighed contentedly and walked over to sit by Grace on the couch, she immediately snuggled up to me, which made my heart melt. My mom was the first to speak, "Grace, I'm sure you've heard this a million times tonight but you look exactly like-" Angela interrupted her, "Katy. Yes mom. Of course the child's heard it a thousand times! It looks like Katy shat her out!" We all laughed, "Actually, Mary, she looks a little like you too." "Dad, quit trying to suck up to Mom!"

The next hour went by and pretty soon everybody was making their way towards the door and saying goodbye. My mom and dad were the last to leave, "Grace, you're the first Hudson grandbaby and we want you to know that we're always here for you. We have always loved you and prayed for the day the Lord would put you in our lives permanently." My mom hugged her then me, whispering, "Take care of this baby Katheryn." into my ear. I squeezed her in response then my dad. "You guys have a safe trip back! Love you!" I shut the door behind them then turned to Grace.

"Katy, thanks for all of this. I really really reeeally appreciate it. Especially with Rachel. I missed her so much and she appreciated it too. This is all so incredible. And Johnny and Markus are hilarious!" "Anything for you kid! I'm sure you're exhausted, you ready for bed?" "Yeah, but my soon-to-be room is filled with boxes..." "Eh, c'mon. You can sleep with me!" I threw my arm around her shoulders and we made our way up to my king-sized bed. "Hey, Katy?" She rubbed her eyes, "What's wrong baby girl?" "Nothing. I just wanted to tell you I love you." My heart warmed and I sighed, "I love you too, darling."

We were both sound asleep within minutes.