Authors Note: Sam was a little different then I originally envisioned. However I hope that it's good and works out okay. Zoey is from Kristy's Big Day, the first Friends Forever book. She and Patrick (the Thomas' bio-dad) didn't have any kids between then at the end of the series but thought to give them one anyway. Sam was trying to keep the peace between everyone in that book and I was going for that angle but a more adult version. Also Alicia Gianelli is Bobby's sister and shown a lot in the Little Sister series and caused some trouble in Mary Anne and Camp BSC. All the Thomas' spouses are OCs.

This is my last regular chapter, the next is going to be an alternate Mary Anne and then a giant timeline or maybe my notes?

Enjoy the chapter!


Sam Thomas let his sister, Kristy, do the planning for the baby-shower. Honestly, he had two kids (Chase age 10 and Austin age 8) already and still had some of their stuff, so he didn't think it was necessary. Then again, how often do you have a party with your entire family there? Baby shower or not it was going to be fun.

Humming to himself, Sam reached for his cell phone and checked his messages. Then drew in a breath at the missed call. It was from the last person he expected seeing the world Patrick flash across it. His dad had called him and had left a voice mail. Eagerly he listened to the voicemail and smiled faltered some but relaxed a little.

"Uhm Kristy, you might have to add some more chairs around here just in case," said Sam capturing his sister's attention. "I got a message from da… Patrick. He's bringing Zoey and Alicia."

He liked both, although to be honest he was surprised he wasn't divorced again. Sam could remember going to Zoey's wedding to their father and really getting along with him for the most part anyway. Sam Thomas, didn't forgive him for his father walking out, but he was trying to get everyone to get along. He just wished that Patrick paid more attention to him rather than brood over Charlie not liking him anymore. Zoey was fun and their half-sister was eighteen now and if she wanted a relationship with them, she could.

Kristy seemed to tense up but a fake smile on her face and sighed. She was able to forgive and forget though, he had seen it.

"Sam…"

"I didn't really invite him. Alicia is going on a college tour on the east coast and..." His voice faltered some and he sighed. "I just said that I was having a party since Allie was expecting again, he could swing by. In my defense though, I live in Delaware. There's plenty of schools in DC nearby that he could visit."

"Alright fine, but I'm only saying this because I actually like Zoey and Alicia. Don't expect me to talk to Patrick."

Great, plenty of the family was here. The only people in the family that was missing was Emily Michelle who was in Vietnam and mom and Watson were still on their Alaskan cruise. Since it was a long weekend, his family could do the four hour drive and visit. Emily was due back by Christmas and their parents in a week. Charlie and his wife and kids, a couple of his friends from work, his wife's friends, and so forth. It was time to party.

Then the door rang for the last time. Sam paused for a moment and opened it to see Andrew there. On his arm a pretty girl about his age with dark hair, dark eyes, and an olive skin tone in a purple short dress thing (Sam knew nothing about clothes). Behind him and the girl was Patrick and Zoey with a nervous teenager in tow.

"Hi," said Andrew. "We brought snickerdoodle bars."

"We stopped at the store and brought cupcakes for the kids," said Zoey, Sam's (somewhat) stepmother. He really didn't see her often to call her that. His father looking around at the house his head hung a little low. "I think you remember Alicia."

The girl next to Andrew cocked her head and looked at the young girl and grinned.

"My name is Alicia too."

Well, that was going to be confusing tonight. Together they all went into the house to see the party in full swing. His friends did stick together but a few that knew his family mingled. He saw Kristy and Charlie watch as their father, stepmom, and half daughter joined the group.

"Andrew, who's your friend," asked Kristy avoiding a big confrontation.

"I'm Andrew's girlfriend, I guess? It's new we just started dating last week," said olive skinned girl and dark eyes. "My name is Alicia too."

"Nice to meet you Alicia," said Alicia awkwardly and looked around at her half siblings. Her shoulders slightly slouched showing just how nervous she was. "Um, Charlie, Sam, Kristy, and David Michael right? I'm sorry I think the last I saw you I was twelve and..."

"Middle school is rough," finished Sam smiling at her understandingly. "I think we've all been there and it's great to see you now. Why don't you tell me about what colleges you're considering? I know I had a tough time compared to Charlie and Kristy."

"Hey, I didn't want to leave Stoneybrook," said Kristy. "I had a plan and knew what I wanted. Look at me now I'm a principal of an elementary school and the youngest in the district. Probably in the state of Connecticut"

"That's really impressive," said Alicia the half-sister a bit faintly. Andrew and his girlfriend sensing the drama took the cupcakes and went looking for Karen instead.

That's accomplished, thought Sam, proud of his sister. Or rather his siblings thinking of Charlie. Then rolled his eyes at Charlie's plans considering he really didn't have any. He only got into a school not too far away last minute because they had a late deadline. Of course, he was able to transfer to Princeton University later with great grades. Now Charlie worked in broadcasting sports on the local news. David Michael opened his own veterinary clinic right in downtown Stoneybrook. Though not fully related Karen was in public relations and Andrew a lawyer.

"Why don't we avoid future talk and go get something to drink. We have this punch that has sherbet ice cream in it," he said taking his father by his arm and pulled him to help out.

Charlie was glaring daggers at him but said nothing. David Michael avoiding him at all costs. Patrick had glanced around the room at who was there and who wasn't before perking up.

"I guess your mother isn't here?" asked Patrick after a minute.

"Yea she's on vacation," he said. "With Watson. How was your trip?"

They struck up a small set of small talk before he felt comfortable enough. The two Alicia's talking and Andrew with them. Kristy and Charlie talking with Zoey. Karen had brought her new son and talking with David Michael's fiancé. All his friends mingling around and his wife in the center of it all.

Finally, he turned to his father, who was tapping his foot along to the music. Sam sighed and watched as his other two older kids, raced by with their cousins.

"So, dad," said Sam. "I'm glad that you came. I know it probably took a lot to come here."

"It's not a problem," said Patrick staring at his drink and smiled at him. "At least I was invited to this one. I wasn't at Charlie or Kristy's events. I know they don't really like me, but I'm glad that they accepted Alicia."

Sam kept his snide remark to himself and sighed. It wasn't in his nature to say something mean when he was genuinely trying to be nice to him.

"I just wish that I did more thinking back…"

"Dad, I'm not going to accept this apology," said Sam quietly seeing where this conversation was going.

Sam had remembered the wedding and then when he sat down and talked with Charlie. Sam could remember the good times with his dad and how much it hurt to see him walk away. Sam could remember getting to know his dad little by little in college, but pull away when they got too close. Sam could remember everything and they just needed a fresh start. He watched his sons playing with his cousins.

"But I can accept that we should start over. Do you think that we could do that?" asked Sam calmly.

His father just nodded in agreement.

It was a start at least.