The Night Before

Chapter 50

18 July 1969

ADALINE'S POV

Today we are celebrating Matthew's first birthday. Our little boy was finally one year old! I couldn't believe it! Each day he looked more and more like Paul.

We were having all of our family up at our Sussex home for a party and for the long weekend. With everything that was going on I felt that being around family was best for Paul.

"Everyone should be over any minute now." I told Paul as I finished up in the kitchen. "Don't forget my brother's bringing his new girlfriend."

"Alex has a new girlfriend? Have you heard anything about this one?"

"Mum said she's a very sweet girl. Alex adores her. Mum seems to think she'll be the one."

"If Alex ends up staying with this one it'll be a sight to see. He honestly needs someone good though."

"Oh, I completely agree."

Soon we heard barking and the sound of small feet running towards us. "Mummy! Daddy!" Matt and Mady ran in. "Papa, Uncle Mike and Auntie Mere here!"

"Let's go meet them at the door!" I exclaimed as the two of them ran back to the door, Paul and I following behind.

"Papa!!" They yelled, running into Jim's arms.

"There's my beautiful grandchildren! Happy Birthday, Matthew."

Matt clapped excitedly as Jim picked them both up and walked over to us. "Are we the first ones here?"

"You are. You can relax in the living room if you'd like or head out back where we'll be having the party."

He gave a small nod, taking the kids into the backyard.

"I can't believe how big they are!" Meredith exclaimed as she pulled me into a hug. "It feels like yesterday you just had him."

"I know! My baby's already one! It's so hard to believe."

"She wouldn't stop crying on his actually birthday." Paul teased me, causing me to hit him playfully.

"Shush, you. I have every right to be emotional!"

"I know you do, darling." He looked over at his brother. "Mike, how's the band going?"

"Great. Really great. I actually have something I wanted to get your opinion on."

And with that the two of them went off, likely talking for the next hour about music.

"Those boys and their music."

"Tell me about it. Now is there anything I can do to help you before everyone else gets here?"

"I think I'm okay. The food is all cooked, both cakes are finished, the backyard is all set up. I'm all good."

Soon we heard a car door shut as my mother, Charlie, Lily, and Andy walked over.

"There's my handsome little nephew!"

"Hi! Hi!" He ran over as I picked him up. "Look at you! You're getting so big!"

"Hi sis. Look at this place. When you said we'd all be staying here for a few days I wondered how we'd all fit. This is huge..." Charlie looked around.

"I asked her the same thing the other day!" My Mum piped in. "This place is gorgeous, honey."

"Thank you. We're both so thrilled that you're all here for the long weekend."