Chapter 11
That evening, everyone gathered around the table for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Eve, Ron, Richard, and Amber sat on one side of the table while Randy's family sat on the other side with Alanna in the middle. Randy had Alyssa sleeping in her seat next to him and Cassie was at the other end of the table.
"Daddy, Miss Cassie, can we say what we are thankful for?" Alanna asked.
"If it's ok with your daddy, I don't see why not." Cassie answered.
"That's perfectly fine with me." Randy responded.
"Alanna, why don't you start us off since you suggested it." Cassie stated with a soft smile.
"Ok. I am thankful for my daddy, my sister, my grandma and poppa. I am thankful for Miss Cassie and all the baby animals here and for Mattie the calf." Alanna stated.
"I guess I'll go next." Becky stated. "I am thankful for my parents, my brothers, my nieces and good friends."
"I am thankful for my parents, my older brother and older sister, my adorable nieces and all of our friends and extended family." Nathan stated.
"I am thankful for my three wonderful children, my loving and stubborn husband, and my granddaughters for making me smile every day. I am also thankful for Cassie being in Randy's life and we welcome her into our family with open arms." Elaine stated.
"I am thankful for my adoring wife, my children, my granddaughters and for great friends and family. I am also thankful for Cassie having us all here for this wonderful holiday." Bob stated.
"I am thankful for everyone's health and happiness. I am thankful for my daughters, my husband, and all our friends and family." Amber stated.
"I am thankful for my daughters, my wife, friends, family, and our health." Richard stated.
"I am thankful for my wonderful family, my love Ron, my great career and for all of our friends and family." Eve stated.
"I am thankful for friends, family, a great job and for Eve putting up with me. I am also thankful for Cassie inviting all of us here." Ron stated.
"I am thankful for my job, my friends, my family and my health. I am also thankful for having Randy, Alanna and Alyssa in my life. Without them, it wouldn't be complete." Cassie stated as she looked across the table at Randy.
"I am thankful for my job, my friends, family, health and of course I am thankful to Samantha who gave me two beautiful daughters, Alanna and Alyssa. I am thankful for having Cassie in my life, as without her, I don't know how I would have gotten through the last few weeks." Randy stated.
With that, everyone started passing food around the table and enjoyed a wonderful meal. Cassie had baked some Pumpkin and Apple pies the day before with Alanna's help. After everyone was done eating dinner, Randy, Ron, and Nathan cleared the table. Richard and Bob headed into the livingroom and turned on the game. Cassie walked into the kitchen and pulled Randy aside.
"When?" Cassie asked.
"Dessert." Randy answered.
"Ok. Why dont you guy go watch the game and take care of Alyssa. We'll get the dishes done and then it should be time for dessert." Cassie responded.
"Alright. I love you." Randy stated.
"I love you too." Cassie responded with a smile.
While the men watched the football game, the girls cleaned up the kitchen. Alanna sat at the counter and watched them as they talked and did the dishes. Alanna missed her mom, but she loved Cassie too and wanted Cassie, her daddy, Alyssa and her to be a real family.
"Alanna, are you ready to help me with the pies we baked yesterday?" Cassie asked her.
"Yeah!" Alanna answered excitedly.
"Good. Come here. I have the step-stool ready for you." Cassie stated.
Alanna and Cassie cut the pies and put them on plates. Cassie had also made homemade whipped cream and she let Alanna put a spoon full on each pie. Eve put dessert forks on the plates and carried them out to the table. Once everyone was back in the room, Randy walked over to Cassie and put an arm around her waist.
"Before we enjoy the pies that Cassie and Alanna made for us, Cassie and I have something to tell you all." Randy stated.
"What is it Randy?" Elaine asked.
"Cassie and I are engaged!" Randy answered.
"And when did this happen?" Richard asked.
"Two weeks ago." Cassie answered.
"And you are just now telling us?" Amber asked.
"Yes. We wanted everyone together when we announced it." Cassie answered.
"Well, congratulations to you both! Cassie, welcome to our family!" Bob stated as he hugged his future daughter-in-law.
"Thank you." Cassie responded.
"I am so happy for you and Randy." Eve stated as she hugged her sister.
"Thank you." Cassie responded.
"When are you coming back to work?" Ron asked.
"I don't know. My doctor hasn't released me yet." Cassie answered.
"Ok. Congrats to the both of you." Ron responded.
"So you're going to marry Randy after only being with him for a few months?" Amber asked.
"Yeah. Randy and I love each other and I love the girls." Cassie answered. "And you shouldn't be talking, you and Richard got married after two months."
"She's right." Eve stated.
"Alright. As long as you are happy, we are happy for you." Amber responded.
That night after everyone headed to bed and the girls were sleeping, Randy and Cassie headed to bed after locking up the house. Once Randy had his arms around Cassie, they fell asleep. Alyssa managed to sleep for about 4 hours straight, before wanting to be fed. Randy was out cold, so Cassie got up with her. She fixed a bottle and walked into the livingroom as Eve walked out of hers and Ron's room.
