Chapter 26
"Happy Thanksgiving!" Olivia hugged Alex and Peter as they entered their home. Amanda was right behind her carrying Noah. "Hey! He's getting big. Happy early birthday! 20 looks good on you." They hugged Lucy and when they walked in the family room, they saw Melinda and Fin.
They heard a knock and Olivia went to get it. "Hey guys! Come on in!" Olivia grabbed the baby and hugged Kim, Nick, and his parents. She was about to close the door when she saw Beth. "Hey, come on. Join the party."
Olivia hugged Beth, over the last two months their relationship had changed. "I figured I would let Kim go ahead of me." Olivia laughed, "She'll come around. Come on." When Beth entered the room, it grew silent, but quickly warmed up. Beth hadn't given any reason to not trust her. She was trying. She had come to every family dinner and anything else she was invited to.
Alex was thanking her and told her to remember her crockpot. Amanda came up, "Hi Beth! What crockpot?" Alex smiled, when we missed family dinner because of the stomach bug, Beth dropped off homemade chicken noodle soup. It was delicious by the way." Beth smiled, "I'm glad you liked it and you're feeling better." Amanda placed her hand on Beth's back and pointed to the dinner table. It was the little things that meant so much to her. She never expected their kindness.
They enjoyed Thanksgiving and Kim brought out a little piece of pie with a candle. They all started to sing Happy Birthday! "Guys my birthday is tomorrow." Beth chimed in "Then you will celebrate twice, blow out your candle and make a wish." Even Kim smiled at Beth. Amanda blew out the candle and wished her life continued to be great.
The next night they were all back together again at the restaurant Catch minus Lucy who stayed back to babysit Olivia and Noah. They ate and just because it was her birthday, Olivia shared some of her crab. Alex and Melinda's jaw dropped, "Amanda, you got her to share food!" The staff came out with their signature Snickers Pie. Olivia knew Amanda would want it instead of a birthday cake. "Happy birthday baby!"
Kim stood up "Present time!" Melinda and Fin pushed a box to Amanda. "I know what this is." Amanda smiled as she unwrapped the box and saw the Jordan symbol. "Oh my gosh! Liv look, it's the Jordan 6 rings blue fury cyber pink shoes." Olivia shook her head, "I see baby. They are a little bright, but I'm sure they will be cute on you."
Alex and Peter gave her their present next. "No way! Apple TV. I love my shows." Kim and Nick smiled, "Good now you can open ours." Amanda opened the gift, "Alright a year's subscription and gift card. We can build our movie collection." Everyone turned to Beth. "Happy birthday Amanda! I hope you like it." Amanda smiled and unwrapped the box. "I love it! Who took this?" Amanda turned the frame around, it said "Friends are family you get to choose."
They passed it around, "I took it at family dinner. You guys were all smiling, I thought it was a perfect moment." The photo reached Kim's hands, "It's almost perfect Beth, except you're not in it." Everyone was shocked, especially Beth. Kim winked at her. "Well, I'm last." Olivia pushed a small box to Amanda. She opened it and saw a ring. "I know we're getting married, but somehow I missed actually putting a ring on it. Olivia took the blue diamond engagement ring, "You are going to marry me right?" Amanda kissed her, "Absolutely."
They were all walking out of the restaurant and Amanda hugged and thanked everyone. When she got to Beth she hugged her as well. It was the first time Amanda hugged her mother. Thank you! See you next week." They headed home. "Lucy, we saved you a piece of Snickers pie."