Fantasy Life made Normal

Chapter 19

Madelyn was up early. They had started the turkey in a roaster the night before, together. She was surprised that he had offered to help but was glad that he had. She began making cinnamon rolls.

Marshall came down the stairs with Maverick in his arms. The girls weren't far behind. Madelyn started on the ham as well as peeling potatoes. She refused to make boxed potatoes. Marshall watched her as he put Maverick into his high chair.

"Babe," he said.
"What?" she asked.

She was in pajama pants and a racer back tank top. He sat at the island while the girls were at the kitchen table.

"You don't have to go all crazy," he said.
"I'm not," she said.
"Ok."

He gave Maverick a cinnamon roll. Marshall looked at his wife. He frowned for a minute.

"Homemade?" he questioned.
"I wanted to bake," she said.

He made a face at her. She smiled sweetly at him.

"You are lucky I love you," he said.
"Of course my love," she grinned.

Everything was ready by that afternoon when people began arriving. Nathan grabbed her into a hug. She laughed at him.

"I can't believe you got that old fart to agree to another baby," he said.
"There wasn't much choice when I found out that I was pregnant," she said.

She watched the three boys climb all over her husband. Marshall loved every minute with his son and his nephews. She loved watching him with them. Kim arrived with her son, Parker. The last to arrive was Marshall and Nathan's mother. They all headed into the dining room to sit and eat.

"What are you thankful for this year?" Nathan asked.
"Me?" Madelyn asked.
"Yeah, you start this year."
"I am thankful for my family. The new life that we are bringing into it and most of all being able to learn from my past."
"Really?"
"Of course. My past made me who I am today."
"Never thought of it like that."
"Because you can't see past your next meal," Ashley laughed at him.

The whole table laughed. Nate decided to pout about it only making the laughter more. Marshall shook his head.

"I am thankful for this woman right here. She has helped me get my life together. Called me on my bs and shown me that adding to our family isn't a bad thing." he said.
"So when is the next one due?" Ashley asked.
"April,"

She nodded. He looked at his wife, sitting to his right. She smiled. He looked at his son on his left in the high chair.

They went around the rest of the table saying what they were thankful for. Marshall blessed the table before they all began to eat. Madelyn made up a quick plate for Maverick and handed it to Marshall to give him. Once all the kids had a plate, the adults dug in.

It was a calm but great afternoon. They all made plans for Christmas. They were going to do a themed holiday. The girls wanted Mexican food. They decided on tacos and nachos.

"Dad, are you shopping tonight?" Alaina asked.
"Are you crazy?" he joked.
"Hailie and I are going."
"Have fun. Mads and I are hitting cyber Monday sales,"

Alaina made a face. He laughed. He refused to get caught up and cause all kinds of drama on Black Friday. Madelyn refused to go while pregnant.

"Mom, are you coming with us?" Hailie asked.
"I gotta get Parker to bed," she said.
"He can stay here, Kim," Madelyn said.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Its no problem."
"Thanks."

Marshall was glad that Madelyn and Kim got along. It made things a lot easier on him spending holidays with his girls if they could just do it all together. After everyone headed out, Madelyn got Parker and Maverick into bed before joining her husband in their bed. He lay his head in her lap to talk to their unborn baby. She ran her nails thru his short hair. He stared up at her and smiled.

"I really thought things would be insane when you said you were pregnant again," he said, honestly.
"Why?" she asked.
"Baby, I am 46 and starting over with kids."
"Ok?"
"I mean damn babe, you are Nate's age. I didn't even think about any of that when we got married. Hell, before you I had no desire to get married again. I was a horrible husband. Kim and I did so much damage to each other. I thought it would happen again."

She nodded. He sighed.

"When you told me you were pregnant with Mave, all I kept thinkin was the girls were gonna think I was replacing them." he said.

She shook her head. He smiled softly.

"But damn if you aren't gorgeous when carrying my baby," he said.

She blushed. He smirked up at her.

"You are incredible Mads," he said.
"Not that fabulous," she replied.
"You so are,"

She sighed. He reached up to stroke her cheek. She closed her eyes with his touch.

"I love you so much Madelyn." he said.
"I love you too, handsome," she replied.
"You ready for bed?"
"I was thinking of scrolling thru the email of the girls wish lists."
"Nah, I want my wife."

He pulled her down next to him. She giggled as he moved to press his lips to hers. It quickly became heated. He was cautious of her now 4 month pregnant belly. She fell asleep in his arms afterward. He sighed content with her in his arms.