This is it. I'm finally ending this very long story. I never intended for it to be this lengthy and I thank all of you for coming along for the ride. I had a great time writing this. I hope you enjoyed it too.

And thanks for the reviews and encouragement. They are what kept this thing going.

Thanks Again. -T

Melanie waited downstairs in the kitchen while Joy and Victoria got dressed. She had an announcement to make and she couldn't hold it in any longer. She'd worked on this secret project for awhile now and she was bursting to tell them. Her fingernails tap, tap, tapped the side of the red coffee mug before her.

Finally Joy and Victoria fumbled down the stairs. It hurt Melanie's heart to watch Victoria deal with that stupid boot cast on her leg. But she was grateful that it wasn't any worse than it was. Victoria had stuck by her when she needed a friend the most…thru her marriage woes, her post-partum depression after her kids were born, her empty nest issues after they were gone, her divorce, her book…every life step Victoria was there with her.

She was happy…truly happy for Victoria and Joy. As close as she'd been with both of them she always knew they had a special kind of friendship. At times she was jealous of it but as she'd grown older and hopefully wiser, she'd realized what they had was unique.

Elka, being unusually kind, brought over two mugs of coffee for the two tall, lanky ladies who had sat down at their respective places at the kitchen table.

"So, as you know," Melanie started her story right away. She couldn't hold it in any longer. "We didn't get to celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Day." Victoria narrowed her eyes. Melanie seemed to be hatching a classic Melanie plan.

"And?" Joy asked before sipping her hot coffee.

"We're having Thanksgiving today!" Melanie was beyond giddy.

"Today? As in…this day, today?" Joy was dumbfounded. She'd just gotten back from transporting an injured Victoria across the country and being by her side all hours of the day. She was still recuperating from that and not to mention trying to care for Victoria now here at home too.

"Mel, that's a lot of work. Can't we just bypass it or combine it into Christmas?" It was already the first of December and Victoria really didn't want to go through the hassle of an impromptu holiday.

"Everything is already taken care of. The turkey is in the oven. I don't want you doing anything. I would, though, like to ask that you leave and not come back until 5 this evening." Melanie checked a few things off of a list she had in front of her.

Joy and Victoria just looked at each other and shook their heads. Melanie wasn't one to be reckoned with when she was on a mission.

As the day progressed, Melanie was shocked how everything was falling so easily into place. Joy had taken Victoria for a spa day and Elka was scurrying around taking care of a few small things. An hour before Joy and Victoria were supposed to be back, the phone rang.

"Hello?" Melanie answered and listened. "What!? Oh no. No, it will ruin everything. I'll take care of it." She hung up the phone and stared into space looking for a solution to what seemed to be a big problem. "Elka!" She yelled towards the kitchen.

At the salon, Joy looked at her watch. It was less than an hour before she and Victoria were expected back at the house. She had no idea what Melanie was planning but she was thankful they were out of the madness. Melanie even made them take their clothes so they'd be ready when they arrived at 5.

Joy watched as the young woman gingerly massaged Victoria's swollen foot. She knew a pedicure would help to lift Victoria's spirits. They were all friendly with the staff and owners of this particular salon. Joy did some consulting for them from time to time. Gail, the shop owner, graciously allowed the ladies use of the available rooms to get ready for their delayed Thanksgiving.

Victoria rested her head back against the soft leather chair. Soaking her feet in the warm, vanilla scented water made her feel so much better. She reached over blindly and took Joy's hand into hers and held it until their pedicures were complete and it was time to put themselves together per Melanie's instructions.

Back at the house, Melanie was putting the final touches on everything. The seldom used dining room was completely overhauled with pumpkins, decorations, tea lights, and anything else autumn-y she could find. But it was very tastefully done of course. Nothing but the best when it came to Melanie's party planning. The long table was set with their finest mismatched china. It gave it a homey feel and that's what Melanie wanted. She wanted all the comforts of home.

The turkey was resting nicely waiting to be carved. A menagerie of pies and desserts were lined atop the sideboard. The center of the table dazzled with twinkling candles, rustic branches, pumpkins and gourds of all sizes surrounding the bowls of mashed potatoes, green beans with almonds and onions and a bit of bacon at Elka's request, candied pecan topped sweet potatoes, broccoli salad, homemade cranberry sauce and a glistening, perfectly spiraled ham. She counted the place settings one more time…two more times. There were too many.

Hearing the car doors slam outside, Melanie hurried into the living room to await their arrival. She couldn't worry about the table count now.

It was almost 5 and Joy was still helping Victoria into the car. Before Joy drove off, she checked her makeup one more time in the visor mirror.

"Don't worry. You look beautiful." She heard Victoria declare softly. "Does my scar show?" Victoria lightly touched the top of her forehead. The wound was healing quickly and was only slightly pink but it would eventually leave a white scar.

Joy turned in her seat and looked at Victoria sitting next to her. She smiled and leaned over feathering a kiss over the make-up covered gash. As many people as she had dated, none had ever made her feel like Victoria did. But she was quick to consider how easily it could all change.

It was a short drive back home and they were there precisely at 5:02pm. Melanie would probably be standing at the door waiting for them with her hand on her hip and her foot tapping the floor. But when they pushed open the door they were greeted by another sight entirely.

Joy and Victoria were speechless. In the living room stood Melanie and Elka but also scattered around were Emmy, Oscar, Tony and Owen. They all had big welcoming smiles on their faces.

Victoria's children circled around her. They weren't arguing and bickering like the last time she saw them together at the hospital. And for the first time they were genuinely happy. Emmy, in her best low-cut top, fixed an errant strand of Victoria's hair. It was like some kind of full moon effect. They weren't acting like she was overlooking them like they usually did. It wasn't about Victoria Chase…it was about being their mother.

Owen cautiously walked up to Joy who couldn't believe her eyes. She hadn't seen him since after she shot him in the leg. They talked occasionally on the phone but never managed to have time to meet up again. She did miss him. As much as she claimed she wasn't the mothering type, she still missed having those face-to-face conversations with her son like Melanie and Victoria got to have with their kids. Joy's gapping mouth turned into a smile as he approached. There was a bit of an awkwardness at first as to shake hands or hug but then Owen stretched out his arms and circled her in them.

"Melanie, you did all this?" Joy asked still very surprised.

With a mega-watt, proud smile plastered on her face Melanie could only nod.

"But where are Will and Jenna?" Victoria asked not seeing Melanie's children around anywhere.

The smile quickly faded from Melanie's face. "They couldn't make it. Work. Work. Work." Her voice sounded cheerful but Victoria could tell it tore at her heart that her kids weren't there to celebrate with the rest of them.

Victoria walked over and put her arm around Melanie's shoulders. "Oh Mel."

"No, it's okay. Let's eat! I've been working on this all day."

They all flowed into the dining room and found their acorn shaped name cards around the table.

But Elka spoke up before they could all sit down. "Wait. There's something I forgot." She pushed open the kitchen door and out walked Jenna and Will. Melanie screamed in pure joy. Running up to her kids she threw her arms around both of them and hugged them tightly.

"Elka!" Tears of happiness were streaming down Melanie's cheeks. She couldn't believe Elka had done something so wonderful. Moving to Cleveland had done wonders for almost every aspect of her life except that she was so far away from Will and Jenna. But she had to let them fly on their own or they'd never know what true freedom was about.

Finally they all got situated around the table and passed around the abundance of food. Victoria watched as her grown children smiled and laughed and looked at home around the table with Melanie and Joy and their grown children. They had all practically been raised together so there was a familiarity that would never be broken. It almost brought a tear to her eye. Reaching under the table next to her she gently patted Joy on the top of the leg.

When the dinner was almost over, Melanie picked up her wine glass and tapped her fork against the glass to get everyone's attention. "This is almost," her voice cracked. Oh Melanie. "Almost the most perfect day. And I, for one, have a lot to be thankful for this year. I'd like everyone to say what they're thankful for."

A few groans from the diners filled the room. But Melanie loved her traditions and this is one she'd always had with her family. And this group…all of them…were her family now.

Melanie continued. "I'll start. I'm thankful for being able to live my dream and be surrounded by such great people."

"That was two wasn't it?" Will joked and the group laughed as Melanie rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Then you do better, smartaleck!"

Will lifted his glass and paused. The room was quiet. "After a few ups and downs, I'm thankful for the lady in my life who has showed me how to not take life so seriously."

Melanie's ears perked up. "Lady?"

"This isn't a question and answer session, mom." Will averted the motherly inquisition at least temporarily.

Elka was next. "I'm thankful that you all are drinking at home tonight and I don't have to be the designated driver again." Truth be told, but not out loud, Elka enjoyed every minute with these three ladies. For so long she had spent her holidays alone but with these three she was included in everything. She wasn't just the caretaker anymore. And finally at 90 years old she had the family she had never thought she wanted but now can't imagine life without them.

Oscar slowly stood up and cleared his throat. "I'm thankful for finally having the opportunity to find out who I am. I love you, Emmy, but you cast a big shadow." For most of his life, Emmy used Oscar as her personal assistant even when they were little kids. He never had a voice of his own and never ventured to find out what else was out there for him. But finally he found the initiative to stand up for himself.

Emmy looked stunned. "I'll have you know I've lost weight!" Oscar rolled his eyes just like his mother did.

Tony, Victoria's oldest son was a strapping, broad-shouldered young man. He was always her quietest child. Not because he was overshadowed but because he preferred keeping to himself and learning as much of anything he could. "I'm thankful that mother is safe after her accident."

Victoria's smile lit up the room. Tony was the child she didn't get to spend much time with and the one she had the least in common with. She was always so afraid that she had alienated him throughout his life. To hear that of everything that's what he was thankful for warmed her heart immeasurably.

Jenna raised her glass but didn't stand up. "I'm thankful for the new play I was just cast in."

Melanie's daughter tested the acting waters and the deeper she got the more she liked it. Of course Melanie was worried she would start acting like Emmy but she knew Jenna was more grounded.

Owen pulled his mouth into a tight smile. Victoria recognized that Joy made the same face often. "I'm thankful for all of you…my family." He raised his glass to the room. It took him getting shot in the leg by the woman who gave birth to him but when it was all said and done he got a big extended family out of it. And for the first time in his life he felt like he belonged somewhere.

Emmy stood up and straightened her low cut dress. Melanie could only shake her head at the ABCs Emmy was displaying. "Well this year I have a lot to be thankful for. Mother. Two Telenovelas. A reality show." Everyone rolled their eyes and groaned at the remembrance of that horrible experience. "But I'm thankful for someone who pushes me to be better than I know that I am. Will." She tipped her glass to the blushing man sitting beside her.

"Wait what?" Melanie was stunned. Will and Emmy had had several on and off relationships over the years but after the last one she figured they had outgrown that young love.

"Emmy?" Victoria sat straight in her chair.

"No questions remember?" Emmy smiled and Victoria narrowed her eyes. Oh that girl.

"But there will be later." Victoria assured her and Will. Melanie nodded in agreement.

"Whatever, mother. You're next." Emmy evaded again.

Victoria thought for a few long moments before lifting her glass. They all waited quietly for her thanksgiving. What self-gratifying praise would she give herself this year, they must have thought. The movement of the brunette to her right caught her eye. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Victoria stood up putting her weight on her one good leg.

"I have so much to be thankful for this year. A renewed career. A body that apparently defies aging."

"Good thing we got to eat before this filibuster started." Elka shook her head.

Victoria raised her eyebrow at Elka but continued her speech. "But the thing I'm most grateful and most thankful for this year…is…my dear, Joy."

Joy craned her neck around and started at Victoria. She hadn't expected that at all.

"Yes, darling, you." Victoria smiled down at her. "I get to begin a whole new life with you…not just a new chapter. We get to write our own script now."

Joy damned the tears that were filling her eyes. She wasn't normally so emotional especially in front of so many people.

"So this means you two really are a couple? Like dating or something?" Emmy asked the questions this time.

Tony looked confused. "I thought you are technically married still."

Victoria sat down again. Her leg was beginning to throb. "Technically, in Canada, we are still legally wed but that was done under the influence." She cut her eyes towards Melanie. "And yes, Joy and I have come to realize that there is something between us and we're finding out every day what that something is. Joy?" Victoria waited for Joy to indulge them in her thanks giving proclamation. But Joy sat rock still then without catching anyone's eye she got up quickly.

"Will you all excuse me for just a moment?" She didn't wait for an answer. Joy hurried up the stairs.

The room was quiet with everyone looking around. What was going on? Victoria sat confused. Did she say something she shouldn't have? Did she say too much? Too little? A pit formed in her stomach. She didn't know what she would do if Joy had second thoughts about them.

They all chatted a bit. Mostly the kids asked about life in Cleveland. They weren't shocked by Victoria's admission of her and Joy's coupledom. This wasn't a group to be shocked by much and deep down they knew those two always had something between them. They didn't realize it was love…romantic love but they were more than thrilled for them.

Finally Joy came back down the stairs and sat in her chair. They all looked at her and waited.

"I'm thankful…I'm so thankful for being accepted and loved by someone for who I am and not for what they want me to be." She unfolded her clenched fist to reveal two shiny gold rings. "I don't care about matrimony or a piece of paper. I wish everyone would accept the love of two people no matter their gender. But…" She froze. Victoria stared at the rings in the palm of Joy's hand.

"Joy?" Melanie tried to break the trance.

Joy turned to Victoria and started talking to her like no one else was in the room. "But we gave each other these rings and somewhere deep down inside we knew it was the right…the only thing to do. The cloud that always hung over my head is no longer there. Because of you." Joy picked up one of the rings and held it out to Victoria. "I wanted to give up on this because I knew I'd muck it up as usual. But I know you wouldn't let me give up so easily. So today," she looked around the room at everyone staring at them. "Before all of our family, I give you this ring…again."

With shaking hands and a lump in her throat, Victoria slid the simple yet most beautiful ring she'd ever had onto her ring finger. And watched Joy do the same with hers.

Elka sat on the edge of her seat watching this scene play out. And it was like something straight out of a movie. Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest. It wasn't common for Joy to exhibit such emotion…at least not happy emotion…so this was all the more poignant.

"Joy…I'm speechless." Victoria managed to whisper.

Emmy laughed, "for once."

Later that night, Joy sat on the porch swing with Victoria's leg propped atop hers. It was quiet finally with all their guests settled for the night. They hadn't said much on that porch…they didn't have to.

Victoria cleared her throat. "You know, if I died tonight…" Joy looked at her thoughtfully. "I'd be really pissed because this is just the beginning, baby." Those chocolate brown eyes sparkled like diamonds.

Joy laughed.

They sat in silence for awhile longer. Joy didn't notice Victoria staring at her. She was too entranced by the stars and the darkened sky and remembering the day's event. Everything seemed so bright and clear.

"It's beautiful out here, isn't it?" Joy said softly. She turned to see Victoria's boring into her.

"Yes, it is." Victoria didn't take her eyes off of Joy. And then with a ping in her heart she realized at that moment her life had never been complete until just then. Anything after this point was pure profit.

"I…love you." Joy admitted. She couldn't remember if she'd said it before and that upset her. She did love Victoria. Always had and always would.

"I love you too, Rejoyla." Victoria winked and they relaxed in the gently swaying swing.