This story takes place in June, 2026. Grace and Nick have graduated from college and are settled into their careers. Donovan and Abigail DID get married.
As Cassie Nightingale put the finishing touches on the decorations, she looked around the living room of Grey House with satisfaction. It would be the first time in a while that all of her family members and friends would be gathered in one place. With Brandon and Lori living in different towns and Grace and Nick having graduated from college, Grey House often felt empty even though there were guests always coming and going. The only times there was much commotion was when her young cousins were over to spend time with Cousin Cassie. "I'm fine, Sam," she said to her husband standing behind her.
Sam chuckled. He had long grown used to Cassie sensing he was in the room without even looking at him. He walked over to her, and the couple briefly kissed before he wrapped his arms around her and asked, "What time is everyone arriving?"
"The party starts at two, though I'm sure there will be early and late arrivals," answered Cassie.
"Well, two four-year-olds with the gene combination Alexis and Dominick have would cause anyone to run behind," said Sam.
"You're not the one watching them when both of their parents are working, or there's a major event in Blairsville," said Cassie. "But they bring me back to the days Grace was their age. Now, she's moving to New York City for work." Cassie ran her fingers over the Good Luck, Grace banner.
"But she was raised by an incredible woman; she'll be just fine," said Sam.
"You kiddos reminiscing again?" asked George as he stepped into the room.
"Just a bit," said Cassie, pulling out of Sam's embrace.
"Lori is here, and so are Brandon and Tara," said George.
Cassie and Sam nodded. "Grace, your siblings are here."
Grace descended the stairs, clad in a purple dress for the party, and said, "It's been so long since I've seen them."
"For sure," said Cassie. "Both Brandon and Tara and Joy and Zoey say they have big news for everyone."
Sam opened the door, and Lori entered Grey House. "Hi, Sam," she said and hugged him.
"Good to see you Lori, Brandon, Tara," Sam greeted as Lori's elder brother and sister-in-law followed behind her.
"It's good to see you, Sam," said Brandon as he hugged Sam.
"There are drinks and food in the kitchen," said Cassie.
Her stepchildren nodded and went to the kitchen. "Yoo hoo. We're here!"
"Hi, Martha. Hi, Tom," said Cassie.
"I brought you your favorite bottle of wine. Riseling, right?" asked Martha.
Cassie's favorite was actually Chardonnay, but she smiled politely and took the bottle from Martha. "I'll put this in the kitchen with the other drinks."
"And there's New York City's newest and best fashion designer," Martha said as she looked at Grace.
"Hi, Mrs. Tinsdale." Grace hugged her. "I don't know about the best fashion designer part."
"Nonsense. One day, when your lines are being sold in cities like Paris and Milan, we'll be able to say that Middleton is the hometown of one of the world's most famous fashion gurus."
Stephanie and Adam arrived along with their two-year-old son Kyle—Stephanie had some of her best dishes with her, which was a feat considering the fact that she was due to give birth to her and Adam's second son Patrick next month —followed by Joy, Zoey, Derek, and Nick. Nick wandered over to where Grace was standing, and Grace smiled at her stepbrother. "So, you'll be moving to my old stomping ground. If you ever need me to come and give you a tour, I'll be more than happy to."
Grace smiled and playfully shoved him a little bit. "Aren't you a bit busy in San Francisco trying to design the latest video game craze?"
"I like San Francisco, but my favorite major city will always be New York."
"Remember how you hated Middleton when you first moved here?"
"It kind of grows on you."
"Abigail says the same thing."
"Speaking of…I see Joy, but where are your other cousins?" asked Nick.
"You know Lexi; she'll make sure they'll arrive at least forty-five minutes late."
"Once the curse was broken, they produced the most stubborn miniature humans ever," Nick said jokingly.
At that moment, a short, brown-haired boy and a long, brown-haired girl ran into the living area. "Gracie!" they shouted excitedly.
"Hi, Alexis. Hi, Dominick." Grace crouched down and hugged them both. "Where are your mommy and daddy?"
"They're here; they just can't keep up with two four-year-olds," said Abigail. "Sorry we're late, but Alexis couldn't decide on which dress she wanted to wear."
"You know she's a stubborn one," said Nick.
"I'll blame Donovan for that," said Abigail jokingly.
"Hi, Abigail," Grace said and hugged her cousin, followed by Donovan. "How's life in Blairsville treating you?"
"I still can't get her to call herself a Blairsviller, even though she's lived there for five years," said Donovan, playfully nudging his wife.
"My official residence is still registered here at Grey House; therefore, I am still a Middletonian," said Abigail, smirking at her husband.
"Abigail, Donovan." Cassie smiled and greeted them.
"Cousin Cassie!" Alexis and Dominick ran toward her.
"Lexi, Dominick," Cassie crouched down in front of them. "Look at you both. You're getting so big."
"They're starting kindergarten at Regis Lane in the fall," said Donovan.
"We blinked, and they grew right before our eyes," said Abigail.
"Just wait until you're touring colleges with them," Cassie said and smiled at Grace. "Perhaps two more Wellingsley alums?"
"Then, I can be President of the United States," said Dominick excitedly.
"I see Grandpa Davis has been putting ideas in your head again," said Nick as they all walked to the kitchen.
"Does Lexi still want to be a vet, or has she changed career paths again?" Cassie asked Abigail.
"She was giving Klondike a checkup with the doctor's kit we gave her for Christmas, so I'd say vet is here to stay for a while," answered Abigail.
After everyone gathered in the kitchen, Cassie held up her drink and said, "Well, Grace, my little girl is grown now, and you'll be beginning a new adventure in New York. But, I also know you can do anything you set your mind to, and with the Merriwick touch, you will be successful."
"Grace, you know I'm not much of a conversationalist, but I've had the privilege of watching you come into your own, and I'm proud to call you my stepdaughter," said Sam.
"Well, our baby sister is all grown up now. I know I can speak for Brandon when we say we remember the day you were born," Lori began, and Brandon nodded. "Gosh, for it being his third child, Dad was in such a panic when Cassie went into labor with you." Grace and Cassie smiled sadly when Lori mentioned Jake. "I know Dad would be proud of you."
"I agree," said Derek, and Brandon nodded.
"Well, I first came into your mother's life right before she found out she was pregnant with you," said Abigail. "I'll admit we didn't get along well for the longest time, but as I got to know her better, I also became closer to you. You all became the family I longed for, and the way you interact with Dominick and Alexis reminds me so much of our relationship. I'll miss not having you around, but I know you'll do well in New York since you have that Merriwick ambition."
Alexis and Dominick handed Grace two hand-drawn cards. "These are for you," said Alexis.
"Thank you. They're beautiful," said Grace.
Joy stepped forward and said, "Grace, when I first discovered I was a Merriwick, you were already away at college. But when you came home for summer vacation, and we met for the first time, I could see you were a true Merriwick woman in every way: smart, kind, intuitive, and compassionate. I'm proud to be related to you."
"Is that an engagement ring?" asked Stephanie as she took Joy's hand.
"Oh, yes: we're engaged," said Zoey.
Everyone cheered as they hugged Joy and Zoey and gave them congratulations. "Well, if you need help planning your wedding, you know who to call," said Martha.
"Martha, we just got engaged last week," said Joy.
"But it's never too early to start wedding planning."
"Welcome to what happened after we got engaged," said Donovan.
"We also have news," Brandon announced, wrapping his arm around Tara.
Tara smiled and said, "We're expecting."
More cheers and applause commenced. "So it finally happened," Cassie said excitedly, hugging her stepson and stepdaughter-in-law.
"After two years of trying," said Tara.
"I get to be Auntie Grace," said Grace happily.
"What does expecting mean?" asked Alexis.
"It means Tara is having a baby, sweetheart," said Abigail.
"When?" asked Alexis.
"I'm due in early December."
"We're so happy for you," said Stephanie. "All of you." She hugged Joy, Zoey, and Grace as well.
"Enjoy him or her while the baby is small. Before you know it, he or she will be walking and talking and will have a personality that mirrors yours or Brandon's. I can guarantee it," said Abigail. Stephanie nodded in agreement.
"As long as you make a visit to the Bistro and the food truck when you visit Middleton or the new franchise we're opening in Chicago," said Stephanie.
"How is that going, by the way?" asked Sam to Joy.
"You know how renovations go: it's one step forward and two steps back," she answered.
"Reminds me when George and I were renovating the church," said Adam.
The party-goers spent the rest of the afternoon eating, drinking, and socializing, and Grace played a few games with Alexis, Dominick, and Kyle before everyone went home for the evening. After Cassie and Sam had cleaned up, Cassie made some tea, and the couple sat down on the sofa. Sam wrapped his arm around Cassie and said, "It's been a long time since everyone has been in once place like that."
"It has." Cassie nodded in agreement. "But it was nice to see everyone again. Everyone has such hectic lives that it's difficult for everyone to get together sometimes. And as much as I enjoy it, it is exhausting planning parties"
"Well, at least you have tomorrow to rest," said Sam.
"Think again," Cassie chuckled. "Abigail has to work, and there's a city council meeting in Blairsville tomorrow, so guess who's watching Alexis and Dominick?"
Sam chuckled as well. "They keep both of us young, that's for sure."
"They do, and I wouldn't trade my life for anything."
"Neither would I." Sam and Cassie kissed before Sam said, "I love you, Cassie."
"I love you too."