"Alright, Emma," Ellie smiled down at the woman who was seated on the couch, "You seem to be able to move around just fine, and the effects of your concussion have passed. I am going to clear you to come back to work. With one proviso, you will be on light duty until after your cast comes off and you are cleared by a physical therapist to return to your full duties. We can't have you trying to move kids with only one good arm."
"I've been out of work for two weeks now, I'll take what I can get," Emma chuckled, "Even if that means being relegated to the nurses' station and being a glorified secretary until I'm back to 100%."
"Glad to hear it," Ellie nodded, "Now on to something a little more personal. I would like you, Sarah, and Molly to join us for Thanksgiving. We always have more than enough, and we all know that if Sarah and my brother ever get their act together that one of the main reasons for her to marry him is so she and Molly won't go hungry."
Emma couldn't help but laugh at the young doctor's assessment of her daughter's culinary skills, "True enough, although as her mother I sincerely hope the biggest she marries him is because they love each other and Molly so much they can't stand to be apart."
"As his sister and pseudo mother, I sincerely hope that Chuck marries Sarah for the same reason." Ellie grinned.
"I appreciate the invitation, and I think we will join you," Emma smiled, "But only if you let us bring something, wine, pie, or something… in addition to cake, of course as Sarah's birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year."
"I didn't know that," Ellie's grin widened, "Tell you what, I'll take care of the cake, if you bring some pie and wine. Pumpkin, pecan, and apple are the most popular at our place, just let me know what you want to bring, and I'll make the others."
"I can do a couple pumpkin pies," Emma agreed, "And I'll have Sarah pick out some wine, do you have a preference between red, white, and blush?"
"I usually have an assortment," Ellie shrugged as her phone chimed an alert. She checked it quickly and turned back to Emma, "Sorry, I have to get going, Devon just got pulled into emergency surgery, some visiting dignitary collapsed, and they suspect a coronary event. I have to go get Clara from the sitter's."
"Go, get your daughter," Emma waved her off.
"I'll see you Thursday, if not sooner," Ellie slung the strap of the satchel she used as a medical kit over her shoulder and headed toward the door. "We eat dinner around 3pm, but if you and the girls want to come by that morning, we usually sit around in our comfy clothes, drinking mimosas, and eating cinnamon rolls while we watch the parade. You're welcome to join us."
"I'll let you know," Emma nodded, following Ellie to the front door, "Thank you for stopping by, Ellie."
"You're most welcome," Ellie gave the woman a quick hug, "It's what family does." And with that, she headed back to her car which was parallel parked at the edge of the lawn of Emma's home.
Chuck had just stumbled into the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee when the sound of a knock, echoed by a soft tapping noise, came from his front door. He finished stirring the cream and sugar in his mug and took a sip of the strong brew as he made his way to the front door.
"Dada!" Molly squealed as she tried to launch herself into Chuck's arms. Thankfully Sarah had a good grip on the little girl.
"Hey there Sweet-Pea," Chuck grinned at the little girl, who he gladly accepted her into his free arm as Sarah passed her over, "I missed so much!" He blew a raspberry on the little girl's neck, causing her to squeal before turning to his girlfriend, "Hey beautiful, happy birthday." He leaned in to press a light kiss to her lips.
"Thank you," Sarah smiled up at him, "Mmm, you taste good."
"Must be the coffee, I haven't had a chance to eat or drink anything else," He shrugged and stepped back to let her into his home, "I was going to get dressed and head over to Ellie's as soon as I drank a cup or two, would you like one?"
"I would love one!" Sarah smiled, following him through the living room and into the kitchen where she began to doctor her coffee until it was just the way she liked it. "I so needed that. Little Miss here thought it would be a good idea to wake Mommy up before the sun had even risen, and then Mom was running around like a mad woman checking, two or three times over that we had everything we needed for today, including a change of clothes so we look presentable for dinner. She even made sure Molly and I had PJ's and enough diapers to last us until tomorrow in case we decided to stay the night."
"Well, we did get that pack'n'play for a reason," Chuck shrugged, "So I would have no complaints if the two most beautiful ladies in the universe slept over with me tonight. Speaking of, where are your bags?"
"In the car," Sarah took another sip of her coffee, letting the beverage warm her from the inside out, "I didn't want to seem too presumptuous."
"Please, assume away," Chuck smiled, "I've practically retrofitted my upstairs guest room into a nursery for Molly… at least until we find a better option." He added the last bit under his breath, but the eyebrow Sarah quirked at him made it clear she had heard it. Thankfully she chose to not comment on it for the time being.
"I'll grab our things in a minute," Sarah took another sip from her coffee, "Should I bring everything in here or should I take some over to Ellie's?"
"Just dump everything here," Chuck gave a small shake of his head, "I'm already going to have to come back later to change for dinner. Maybe just bring Molly's diaper bag with you to Elle's so you don't have to rush back her to change her."
"Good idea," Sarah nodded, "You good with her?"
"Yeah, we're fine, aren't we Sweet-Pea?" Chuck smiled down at the little girl who had snuggled up in his lap. "Is your mom already over at Ellie's?"
"Yeah, we took the pies and wine over to your sister's before Molly and I came over to make sure you were awake," Sarah nodded, "Last I saw, Ellie had her opening cans of cinnamon rolls while your sister started on the mimosas."
"Which means that we probably have less than 15 minutes before I start getting calls or my sister pounding down my door," Chuck teased as his phone rang. He walked over to the kitchen where his charging station was and rolled his eyes. Lifting the phone so Sarah could see the caller ID, he answered the call, "Hey Sis, yeah they're still over here… Sarah's going to get her things from the car then we'll be right over… will you relax, the parade doesn't start for another half hour and we still have time before anything more than the turkey needs taken care of. …I know you want everything to be perfect but… okay, alright, we'll be there shortly."
Sarah couldn't help the snicker that rose to her lips. "Shut up," Chuck huffed, "Be glad you don't have siblings."
"I don't know, I always wanted a sister growing up," Sarah mused as she stood and carried her cup to the kitchen to wash and set in the drying rack.
"Want mine?" Chuck offered, only half joking.
"I think another question would have to be asked before that can happen," Sarah smirked and pecked him on the cheek, "I'll be right back."
As soon as the door closed, Chuck looked down at the little girl in his lap, "Was she suggesting what I think she was suggesting?"
"Mama bye-bye?" Molly looked up at him.
"No, Mommy will be right back," Chuck gave her a reassuring smile.
"Mama, Molly stay wif Daddy?" Molly's puppy eyes were nearly Chuck's undoing,
"Tonight yes," Chuck nodded.
Molly seemed satisfied with his answer as she promptly wiggled until he let her down to the floor. She made her way over to the corner of the living room where some of Clara's old toys sat in a wicker basket for Molly to play with. She pulled out a doll and sat down, cradling it in her arms and humming a nonsense tune.
"What'cha got there Moll?" Chuck gave her a warm smile.
"Baby," She didn't look up from the doll she was cuddling.
"Is that your baby?" Chuck asked.
"Nu-uh," Molly shook her head, golden ringlets bouncing with the motion, "Mama baby."
"Oh, so the baby is you?" Chuck smiled.
"Nu-uh," Molly shook her head, "Baby 'isser."
Chuck's eyes widened at the conviction in the little girl's voice. Not knowing what to quite say, he stood and went to wash out his own cup. Just as he returned to the living room, Sarah came in, diaper bag over her shoulder, duffel bag in one hand and two outfits on hangers draped over her arm. She quickly made her way up the stairs only to return moments later with just the diaper bag.
"Ready to go to Ellie's?" She looked at him expectantly.
"Ellie's?" Chuck's eyebrows lifted a moment, "Yeah, let me just throw some clothes on and we can head over. We don't want to miss the start of the parade." He dashed upstairs only to return a few minutes later wearing a forest green Henley, jeans and his Converse. Scooping up Molly, baby doll and all, from where she was still playing in the living room and joined Sarah at the front door to walk over to his sister's home.
"Are you okay?" Sarah gave him a concerned look.
"Yeah, fine," Chuck nodded a little more enthusiastically than was needed, "I'm just dandy," He winced.
Sarah gave him a skeptical look, but let it go, "Okay," She shrugged as they took the last few steps over to the casa de Woodcomb and knocked.
Devon answered the door, shirtless, wearing nothing but sneakers and his blue athletic shorts, a light sheen of sweat evident on his muscled torso. "Mornin' Bro," He smiled at his brother-in-law, "Sarah, Miss Molly, awesome to see you."
"Devon for the love of..." Chuck groaned, "Could you please put on a shirt?"
"Oh, right," Devon chuckled good naturedly, opening the door to allow them entrance while he scooped up a muscle shirt from the handlebars of the stationary bike that sat in the alcove just to the other side of the door, "Sorry about that, I was getting in a pre-feast work out. That way I am free to feast to my heart's content. I'm gonna go hop in the shower real quick, let Elle know I'll be back before the parade kicks off."
"Sure thing, Awesome," Chuck rolled his eyes as the older man bounded up the stairs to his room to get ready for the day. "Sorry about that, we're still working with him on what is and is not appropriate dress in mixed company."
Sarah giggled as she followed Chuck further into the apartment. They were nearly to the kitchen when they heard a squeal from the living room.
"Uncle Chuck, Aunti Sarah, you're here!" Clara jumped up from where she had been having a tea party with a few of her dolls and stuffed animals, "Where's Molly?"
"She's right here," Chuck put Molly down on the floor in front of him, chuckling at his niece's enthusiasm as she rushed over and gave the smaller girl a big hug. "Careful, Clara." He softly admonished, "Molly is still little, I don't think she's quite ready for the full Bartowski bear hug."
"Oh," Clara blushed a little and eased up on her hug before grabbing the little girl's hand and bringing her into the living room to play with her.
"'Aunti Sarah?'" Chuck turned back to his girlfriend, "When did that start?"
"A week or so ago, Ellie brought Clara along with her to check my mom's arm," Sarah shrugged, "Clara heard Molly call your sister 'Auntie Ellie' and asked if she could call me Aunti Sarah since Ellie was Molly's aunt now. I said it was okay with me and you sister agreed."
"Makes sense," Chuck nodded, "Shall we go see if breakfast is ready?"
"It's smelling pretty good already," Sarah hummed as they made their way toward the pass-through that sat between the kitchen and the dining room.
Ellie was mixing up mimosa and had a couple plastic cups sitting on the counter next to the champagne flutes awaiting the girls' drinks. She looked up when she saw her brother and his girlfriend approach, "Good morning, you two, glad you could make it!"
"As if we had a choice," Chuck teased, earning an eye roll from his older sister. "Is breakfast almost ready?"
The oven chimed as if awaiting its cue. The pans were small enough for Emma to grab one at a time with her good hand and set them on the counter to be iced. Ellie took over from there, thanking Emma for her help.
"Good morning, Chuck," The older woman smiled at him as she pulled the oven mitt of her hand and came out of the kitchen to give him a hug.
"G'morning, Emma," Chuck smiled down at her as he released his hold on her, "How are you doing today?"
"I'm doing great," She smiled up at him, "Glad you sister invited us over for Thanksgiving. I don't know how I'd be able to wrangle a turkey with this broken wing of mine."
"Well, we're glad to have you," Chuck nodded, "Hopefully this won't be the last time our table is graced with the presence of such lovely ladies as the Walker Women."
"Sarah, you got yourself a charmer here," Emma cooed at her daughter.
"Don't I know it," She chuckled.
"Breakfast is ready!" Ellie called out.
"Made it just in time!" Devon crowed, descending the stairs, hair still damp from his shower and now, thankfully, dressed in a UCLA t-shirt and a comfortable pair of jeans. "Awesome!"
"Oh good, you're back," Ellie smiled up at her husband who had ducked into the kitchen to press a kiss to her cheek, "Could you grab the fruit and take it into the living room?"
"You got it, Babe," Devon nodded, pulling open the fridge and pulling out a small platter covered in an assortment of sliced melon, pineapple, raspberries, blueberries, and seedless grapes. He dutifully carried it out to the living room and set it on the coffee table as Ellie continued to issue orders.
"Emma, there are some paper plates on the table, could you take those over for me?" Ellie pointed to where the stack of plate sat before turning to Sarah, "I wasn't sure if you were okay with Molly having orange juice or not, the OJ and milk are in the fridge and there is a sippy cup for Molly to use. Would you mind pouring Clara a little bit of orange juice in the plastic cup on the counter?"
"Sure," Sarah nodded and set to her task as Ellie started to hand over a few of the champagne flutes to Chuck.
"Chuck, please help me carry the mimosas out to the living room for the adults," She smiled at her brother's nod of acknowledgement as she picked up the remaining glasses and followed him into the living room.
Devon had turned on the TV as Chuck prepared plates for Molly and Clara who were each getting half a cinnamon roll along with an assortment of fruit. The girls were served at Clara's little tea table which was the perfect size for the little girls to sit at and enjoy their breakfast while watching the colorful floats and performers of the parade. He then set to putting together plates for Sarah, Emma, and himself while Devon focused on making plates for himself and Ellie. Sarah returned as the plates were being distributed, setting Clara and Molly's juice cups in front of them before joining Chuck on the loveseat. Emma had claimed the armchair for herself, while the Awesomes had settled on the couch.
The parade broadcast was currently focused on the normal talking heads which emceed the event for their station. They were interviewing an actor who was in a new production on Broadway, which was interesting for the adults, not so much for the youngest generation of their family. Thankfully, eating their breakfast had the girls pretty well preoccupied until the explosions of poppers and fireworks kicked off the parade, grabbing the girls' attention. By the time the Sesame Street float had made its way to the green carpet where all the performers stopped to present themselves for the broadcast, both girls had finished eating and had settled on the furniture with their parents.
Clara was sitting between her parents, happily munching on a piece of cantaloupe as she watched, transfixed, at the Rockette's performing their routine. Ellie smiled at her daughter, remembering being just as fascinated by the long-limbed dancers as a child. Turning her head slightly, she saw her younger brother, one arm around his girlfriend's shoulder as she snuggled up next to him, and one cradling Molly, who looked as if she might drift off at any minute as she'd already had a long day. She couldn't help but smile at the picture the three of them created, and looking toward Emma, she found that she wasn't the only one who thought so as the older woman caught her eye as the matriarchs of the family shared a knowing smile.
One the parade was over, the girls were fed a light snack and put down for a nap. Clara tried to fight it at first, but after being told that the sooner she went to sleep, the sooner Uncle Morgan and Aunt Alex would get there. Since they were her favorite people in the world, next to her Uncle Chuck, Aunt Sarah, and her new cousin Molly, she quickly laid down and closed her eyes. Molly was already asleep in Clara's old pack'n'play that her dad had pulled out of the closet and set up in her room, which made her happy, she liked sleeping in the same room as her new cousin.
While the girls were sleeping, the adults had split up between Ellie's and Chuck's condos to get everything baked in time for the feast. Since Ellie and Awesome's oven was occupied with cooking the bird, all the baked side dishes were sent to Chuck's home to be cycled through his oven in addition to the pecan and apple pie that Ellie had put together the previous day to be baked and served alongside the pumpkin pies that the Walkers had provided. By 3pm, all the side dishes and pies had been baked and insulated so that they were still warm come dinner time. Sarah and Chuck dashed up to Chuck's room to get dressed for dinner and grabbed Molly's dress from the guest room.
Thankfully, it only took a couple trips across the courtyard to transfer the side dishes and desserts over to Ellie and Devon's condo, a feat made easier by Devon and Alex, who had arrived just as Chuck and Sarah were carrying over the first round of baking dishes, jumping in and offering to help shuttle the crockery between their homes. By the time everything had been brought over, Ellie was just about to pull the bird out of the oven. Knowing that Ellie would want some family pictures while the bird rested and gravy simmered, Chuck and Devon retrieved the girls, from the living room where they were using their Uncle Morgan as a jungle gym, to get them dressed in their holiday dresses.
Getting Molly changed and dressed in her navy-blue dress and black patent leather mary-janes was fairly easy for Chuck. Devon had a harder time, as Clara had insisted that she wear something that matched her cousin rather than the magenta dress her mom had bought her. After much debate between the father and daughter, Devon gave in and, with Clara's help, selected a navy dress with short sleeves, a rounded neckline, and a high-low skirt. Clara, ever the little fashionista, chose to wear her own black mary-janes. Chuck couldn't help but snicker at the whole exchange as he finished dressing Molly.
"Just wait, you'll have your moment," Devon advised, in a half joking tone, "Many times over. Especially if she takes her queues from this one." He thrust a thumb towards his own daughter who was sitting on her bed, dress on, but pulling on a pair of white tights.
"Okay, I'm ready!" Clara chirped, hopping up to her feet after buckling the straps of her shoes.
When they had returned to the living room, Ellie was setting up the camera in the living room while Sarah and Emma helped by moving chairs and various items until Ellie was satisfied with the location of everything. Morgan and Alex were in the kitchen and dining room, Morgan stirring the gravy and Alex putting out the glasses and setting up a small side table with various drink options including sparkling cider, wine, and scotch. The girls' milk would be served to them just before they were to eat.
Ellie turned as the guys returned, their young charges either being held or leading the way, "Oh good, your back. I wanted to get some pictures before dinner, just in case." Everyone knew by now to not protest as Ellie made quick work of arranging everyone, setting the timer on the camera before taking her place by Devon and Clara. The girls were well behaved enough as Ellie made sure to get a picture of the big family, relenting and pulling Morgan and Alex in to a couple at Chuck's request, as well as the smaller family units of Sarah, Emma, and Molly; the three of them with Chuck; Chuck, Sarah, and Molly; the Woodcombs with and without Chuck, and then, since John and Kathleen had arrived amid the photo session, she made sure to get pictures of them and Alex; and lastly, Alex and Morgan together.
By the time all the pictures were taken, it was time to eat. The adults teamed up to bring all the side dishes to the table while Devon carried the bird to the head of the table where he offered John, as the most senior person there, the honor of carving the bird. Casey grumbled good naturedly at the young doctor about making him work on his day off and proceeded to cut into the bird, distributing white and dark meat to each plate that was passed to him. He even made a point of cutting up the pieces that were going to Clara and Molly into bite sized pieces they could easily pick up with a fork in Clara's case or fingers in the case of Molly.
Clara even was able to draw a rarely seen smile from the lips of the seasoned Marine when she accepted her plate back with a sweet, "Thank you Uncle Johnny."
"You're welcome, Miss Clara," He nodded to her and turned back to divvying up turkey for the adults. Once everyone had been served, he carried the bird back to the kitchen and, despite Ellie's protests that she could take care of it, made quick work of removing the remaining meat from the bird's bones and separating it out, by white and dark meat, into the Tupperware containers that had been set out for that purpose before resuming his seat at the table between his wife and daughter.
Emma said grace over the meal and everyone dug in, raving over how delectable everything was. As the hodgepodge family of Bartowskis, Woodcombs, Walkers, Grimes, and Caseys enjoyed their meal, they made their way around the table sharing what they were grateful for over the past year and their hopes for the future. The general feeling of love and warmth pervaded the home as they shared their meal and spoke, as they jumped from one conversation to the next.
After everyone had eaten their fill, the girls were changed back into their play clothes as the football game was turned on, immediately catching Devon and Casey's attention, who based on their close proximity were tapped as the main kid watchers of the group. The ladies had helped clear the table before Chuck and Morgan kicked them out of the kitchen to deal with separating and packing away the left overs and washing the dishes and bakeware. They then settled in the dining room, chatting amicably over glasses of wine.
Once the dishes were done for the time being, Chuck and Morgan flitted between the living room, catching snippets of the football game, playing with the girls, and socializing with the ladies. When the game had ended everyone gathered in the dining room once more to partake in dessert. Casey, Morgan, and Devon began refreshing drinks and grabbing a few fingers of scotch for themselves, while Ellie and Alex started bringing the pies and toppings into the dining room. Chuck took advantage of Sarah and Emma being distracted by the little girls to make a quick dash over to his condo, returning a few minutes later, just in time to see Ellie bring out the cake she had made and topped with a numeric 2 and 6.
"Before we start in on the desserts, I need to say something." Chuck announced, catching everyone's attention, "For those of you who are unaware, today is not only a day of giving thanks, but it also falls on a day that we celebrate one of the best women I know. I just wanted us to take this moment to acknowledge Sarah's birthday. Happy birthday, Baby."
Sarah blushed as all eyes fell on her and the family began to sing to her as Ellie lit the candles on the cake that sat in the center of all the desserts. She made her way toward the table, picking up Molly who had been hanging on her leg along the way and handing her off to Chuck who gladly accepted her. Once the song had concluded she smiled at her newly grown family and closed her eyes making a wish before blowing out her candles to the applause of the people around her.
"Before we cut the cake or the pies, there is one more thing," Chuck cut in once more, "You can't have a birthday without presents. It's a Bartowski rule." He smiled at his girlfriend who was giving him a curious look as he balanced Molly into his left arm while he reached into his back pocket with his right hand to withdraw a small purple mesh satchel that had been tied with a ribbon.
Sarah gasped at the gift that was presented to her as she accepted it and untied the ribbon. Reaching inside she drew out a delicate chain bracelet with a few charms on it. As she examined it closer, she found the charms to be a treble clef, an image of a beach, a pair of baby booties that had Molly's name and birthdate inscribed on the soles, and a key. She looked up in time to see Chuck hand Molly off to her grandmother before approaching her, taking the bracelet from her fingers, and securing it around her left wrist. Once he was sure the jewelry was securely fastened, he took her hand in his own.
"This is a tradition my dad started the day Ellie was born," He explained, trying not to be distracted by his older sister practically vibrating with excitement in the corner, "Since I missed the majority of Molly's life up to a few months ago, I figured your birthday would be the next best option. Each of these charms represent important milestones and things for us. The treble clef is our shared love of music, the beach represents both Catalina and Huntington Beaches. Of course, the shoes are for Molly, and I know I've said it before, but I think I bears saying with our family as witness. Although I wasn't there from her beginning, I love her as my own. I may not be her biological father, but it would be my honor to be her daddy for the rest of our lives."
"And the key?" Sarah tilted her head, eyes still meeting the intense hazel of his gaze.
"Well, that represents something has yet to happen," Chuck smiled down at her, "Sarah, will you and Molly move in with me? We can look for a place that's new for both of us, if you want, but I would love nothing more than for us to come home to each other every day."
The hopeful look in his eyes were nearly her undoing, and she knew there was only one answer to give him, "Yes, we will move in with you."
"Really?" His grin widened to nearly inhuman proportions.
"Mm-hmm!" She nodded, "We don't have to find a new place just yet; the condo is just the right size for our little family right now. We can worry about finding a new house when the time comes that we need it."
"I'll set the moving truck up for Sunday," Emma offered, breaking the moment between the young couple.
"It doesn't have to be that fast," Chuck protested, "Whenever you are ready, let me know."
"Sunday is fine, Mom," Sarah smiled over to her mom as she walked over and took Molly into her arms, "What do you think Baby Girl? Do you want to move in with Daddy?"
"Daddy!" Molly crowed, clapping her hands, "Mama and Molly live with Daddy!"
The little girl's exclamation made the adults chuckle at her enthusiasm. The joy and merriment held for the rest of the night as they enjoyed, cake, pie, and their favorite holiday movies, starting with 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,' then moving on to the classics once the girls fell asleep.
Several hours later, Chuck and Sarah made their way back to Chucks, now their, condo. After quickly changing Molly and dressing her in her pajamas, they laid her down in her pack'n'play before heading to their room to celebrate this next step in their relationship until the early hours of the morning when they drifted in to blissful sleep in each other's arms.
