How to Save A Life (Anthony Rizzo)

40- Thankful

Clara

"What smells so darn good" Anthony asks as he wraps his fingers around my waist. He pulls me back into him as I try to finish cutting up the fresh green beans on the counter in front of me.

"That would be the turkey. You can't have Thanksgiving without turkey" I say.

"She's right you know" Laurie teases and I can feel Anthony roll his eyes from behind me.

"And don't worry. We got some ham for you too" I say patting his hand that was wrapped around me. He was whining all last night that there was no ham on the Thanksgiving menu so I went out this morning and got him some. Gotta keep my baby happy.

"Aww you're the best" he says before kissing my neck. He eventually lets me go and goes to the fridge to get a drink. He pulls up the sleeves of his sweater as he pours himself some lemonade before putting it back.

"Um... what is that on your wrist" his mom asks pointing to the tattoo he got in Mexico and he freezes.

"It's a tattoo" he says slowly.

"When in the world did you get that" she asks.

"When we were in Mexico. They had a old fashion tattoo shop and when Clara went to get one I kind of snuck back while she was gone and got one myself" he explains.

"Why... why would you do that" his mom asks.

"Because I always wanted one but I never knew what to get. I didn't want it to be cliche or predictable, so not something stupid. That's why I hated tattoos, because they were so cheesy. Everyone got tattoos for different reasons but I thought they were all so silly. I mean this is on my body for the rest of my life, so this is my forever. But I finally had something that I love and that love would last forever. Something that will last longer than this tattoo ever will, something more permanent than it too" he insists.

"And what's that" his mom questions.

"I got Clara's initials on my wrist. That way wherever I'm wearing my glove I can look down and still see it" he explains.

The room falls silent as Laurie stares her son down. Eventually she finally smiles and he visibly relaxes.

"That's really sweet. I didn't want you to get a tattoo because I was afraid it would be something stupid" she admits and I start to laugh.

"Wow mom, have a little faith" he teases.

"I do. You're a brilliant young man, who tends to do stupid things" she says and I snicker.

"You guys are so mean to me" Anthony whines.

"Oh come on, you know we love you" I smirk.

"You're still being mean" he pouts as he sticks out his bottom lip.

"Aww come here baby" I say opening my arms and he walks into them. I hug him tight and he hugs me back.

"Can I have a kiss" he asks and I let out a small giggle.

"Of course, come here" I say grabbing his face and kissing him.

He goes back to watch football with his dad and brother and I stay in the kitchen to finish cooking. I feel Laurie's eyes on me as I continue to cut up the vegetables and I look up to see her smiling big.

"What" I ask.

"You've got him wrapped around your little finger" she claims and I gasp.

"I do not" I defend.

"You do too. He would drop anything without giving it a second thought just for you. He would do something he doesn't even like as long as it was for you. Do you understand how much he hates needles" she asks and I shake my head. "I had to hold his hand when he got shots all the way up until he left the house for baseball" she says and I laugh.

"It's not me that got him good, it's love. It'll make you do some crazy things" I admit.

"Don't I know it. I've loved my husband for decades. And you guys got to where we are in the matter of months. I've never seen him like this, his eyes sparkle every time he even thinks of you. He can't stop talking about you, about how strong you are and how talented you are. I saw what you painted for the walk off for cancer event and I cried. It is so incredible. What you two are doing, it's a love no one else will be able to comprehend. I don't even know if you guys know it. But you're two of a kind, there will never be anything like you two ever again. I just want you to know that this Thanksgiving I'm thankful to have you as a part of our family. I'm thankful you looked at my son and you didn't see a baseball player or a guy with a bunch of money. You saw in him what I did, and that means the world to me. And I am so thankful that it's your finger Anthony is so wrapped around" she insists.

"Okay, now I am the one who needs a hug" I admit.

"Of course sweetie" she assures me as she wraps her arms around my small frame. I inhaled deeply as the smell of meat and flowers enter my senses. I close my eyes and remember what it was like hugging my own mother. How I felt so at home.

"Thank you" I whisper.

"For what" she asks.

"For raising such an amazing man. For being incredible yourself while doing it. And giving such great hugs" I joke while we break apart.

"What I would have done to have a daughter like you" she sighs.

"What I would have done to have a mother like you still in my life" I challenge.

"If it makes any a difference to you, I see you as my own daughter" she claims and I smile.

"It makes all the difference in the world to me" I insist.

After we finish making the food we fix the table and the boys join us. I sit between Anthony and his brother and enjoy a nice conversations. Anthony and I would be here in Florida for a while for a few of his fundraisers and the fact we don't have anywhere to go back to in Chicago. We were supposed to be looking at houses but instead we've been hanging out with his family a lot, and I wasn't about to complain. I loved cooking with Laurie and watching the games with John and messing around with Anthony and his brother. They were a great group of people and I felt honored that they took me in.

After a big meal we all grab a slice of pie and head to the living room to catch the rest of the football game. No one was worried about the dishes or cleaning up, we were having a great time cheering for whoever it was we wanted to win at the moment.

I take a second to look around and smile. I haven't had a real Thanksgiving since my parents were alive. They loved the holiday and thinking about what we're thankful of. And although I am thankful for nearly everything I have and everything I've done, I am most thankful to fall in love with one amazing guy.