AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm back! I haven't even brought in my luggage from the car yet, but I raced inside to log on and post. Feel free to go back and reread the last chapter if you need to remember what's going on in the story. Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving

When Addison's eyes opened, a large smile spread across her face. Even though she was extremely uncomfortable on the floor, there was nowhere else in the entire world she would rather be. Zoey was snuggled up next to her, and Zed was...not where she expected. Very carefully she untangled herself from the sleeping bag, careful not to disturb Bucky, Eliza, or Zoey, and followed the unmistakable smell of cinnamon that was coming from the kitchen. When she walked in she couldn't help but smile. There was her oh so hot boyfriend, in just his pajama pants and a pair of oven mitts, pulling a perfect pumpkin pie out of the oven.

"That looks delicious," she said quietly, making her presence known.

Zed looked up and smiled. He carefully placed the pie on the cooling rack before walking over and pulling her into a hug.

"Morning, gorgeous," he said kissing her softly. "Hopefully it tastes delicious too."

"I wasn't talking about the pie," she said as she gazed up at him through her lashes.

Zed smiled and shook his head as he bent down and captured her lips in a deep kiss. "What am I going to do with you."

"I've got a few ideas, handsome."

Someone cleared their throat behind them. "I really hope one of those ideas involves coffee."

Zed laughed. "Already made. Coffee cups are in the cabinet to the top right of the sink."

"Thanks, man," Bucky said as he walked over to pour himself a cup. "Addison, you want one?"

"Um, of course."

Zed gave her a quick peck on the nose before Addison went to get her cup from her cousin.

"I was just about to make Pumpkin Spice pancakes for breakfast, but if you guys want something else..."

"That sounds AMAZING, Z!" Addison said sitting down at the kitchen table with her coffee.

"Do you need any help?"

"Nah. Pancakes are easy. They'll be ready in a few minutes."

"Zed, I'm going to gain ten pounds before today is over," Bucky laughed. "I'm so putting you down as a roommate next year if you guys decide to go to SLU. Tracey can find someone else."

Addison smiled and gave Zed a knowing look.

"Do I smell pumpkin spice?" Eliza grumbled walking into the kitchen.

"Morning, baby!"

"Keep the perk down until I have food please," she groaned sitting next to Bucky.

"Here, E. You can have the first stack," Zed laughed as he set a plate down in front of her. "Hey, guys? Thank you. You all staying over last night was…It meant a lot."

Addison, Eliza, and Bucky all shared a look and smiled.

"Zed, we're family. There's nowhere else we would have been last night," Bucky said.

"Thanks, man," Zed smiled, turning back to the stove.

Zoey walked in and hugged him around his waist.

"Good morning, munchkin," he said, kissing the top of her head. "Happy Thanksgiving,"

"Happy Thanksgiving," she smiled. Zoey walked to the refrigerator to pour herself a glass of orange juice. When she opened the refrigerator door, she let out a laugh. Sitting on the shelves were several covered dishes. "Zed? When did you cook all of this?"

Zed placed the rest of the pancakes on the table. "I couldn't sleep, so I went ahead and prepped everything for dinner this evening. Speaking of which...we need to get going pretty soon so I can get the turkey in the oven."

The group sat around and ate as Zed busied himself washing the dishes.

"Alright, guys. I'm going to head home and get dressed. I'll see you guys this afternoon," Eliza announced.

"I'll walk over with you," Bucky said as he stood up from the table.

"Thanks again," Zed said hugging them both.

As Bucky and Eliza walked out, Zed turned to his sister. "Zo, I already laid out two dresses on your bed. We're leaving in thirty minutes."

Zoey nodded her head and went upstairs to change. With just him and Addison left in the small kitchen, Zed let out a sigh and slumped down into one of the kitchen chairs.

"Z...he's going to be okay," Addison whispered.

"I know. I just...until he's back home..."

"Is that why you didn't eat this morning?"

Zed shook his head in confirmation.

Addison stood up and wrapped him up in a tight hug. "I love you, Zed."

"I love you too."

"Come on, you need to go get dressed too," she said, ruffling his thick green hair.

"Yeah, about that. I hope your mom doesn't mind me showing up in jeans. I haven't exactly had a chance to go buy a new suit."

Addison smiled. "I'm sure she won't mind...is it just the pants?"

"Yeah, I've been known to rock my pants a little on the high side when needed, but not my suit pants. They're about an inch too short."

"I think I can manage this," she said kissing his cheek. "You go shower, I'll have your suit pants re-hemmed by the time you get out."

"Best. Girlfriend. Ever." he said, kissing her between each word.

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Later that afternoon, Zed watched from the Donnelly's kitchen window as Addison and Bucky helped Zoey with some new stunts in the backyard. Eliza walked up and hugged him tightly, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"How are you holding up, Z?"

Zed rested his head on hers. "I've been better...How are Aunt Jozie and Uncle Zohn doing?"

Eliza laughed. "My parent's are holding their own."

"Well isn't this cute." They heard from behind them. "Ending my son's relationship wasn't enough for you? Now you're going for my nieces as well?"

Zed and Eliza both looked at Bucky's mom in shock.

"Kitty! You will not do this in my house," Missy warned as she walked into the kitchen.

"You didn't see them wrapped in each other's arms," she spat back at her sister.

"Mayor Missy, Mrs. Tordjman, Eliza has been my best friend since we were in diapers. She's like a sister to me. I assure you nothing is going on with us."

Missy gave him an understanding look. "I know that Zed, dear. You don't have to explain anything to me." She turned and looked back at her sister. "You, however, owe Eliza an apology."

"I most certainly do not. She seduced my son away from his poor girlfriend, leaving that sweet girl completely broken hearted."

Zed let out a scoff.

"Kitty, that 'poor sweet girl' cheated on your son the night they were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. That 'poor sweet girl' has also been making passes at my daughter's boyfriend every chance she gets. Meanwhile, Eliza has been nothing but good for Bucky. Did you know that she's the one that convinced him to try to get back on the squad? Probably not, because you've been too busy trying to find reasons to hate her instead of seeing how happy she makes your son. So yes, you most certainly do owe her an apology."

"What is going on in here?" Bucky asked as he walked up to Eliza and hugged her tight.

"Is all that true?" Kitty asked looking at the two of them.

Eliza shook her head, yes, not trusting her voice at the moment and refusing to cry in front of her.

"Mom, enough! When are you going to realize that I love Eliza? We're together and are going to be for as long as she can put up with me. I'm not going anywhere. The only reason I keep coming down to Seabrook on the weekends is to see her. You keep saying how much you love that I'm visiting, well unless you want me staying at Eliza's house, I suggest you get over this."

Kitty was in shock. Her son had never sounded so angry, especially not towards her. She let out a sigh. "Eliza, it looks like I do owe you an apology. I'm sorry. I know I've been terrible to you and I hope that one day you can forgive me….Excuse me," she said and walked out of the kitchen with Missy right behind her.

"Holidays are so much more entertaining in Seabrook," Zoey said as she grabbed a marshmallow off of the sweet potato casserole.

"Alright, you," Zed laughed. "Hands off the food until everything is finished."

Zoey stuck her tongue out at him before she went back outside with Addison.

"Never a dull moment," Bucky said shaking his head. "You okay, baby?" he asked Eliza as he kissed her softly.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. It was bound to happen sooner or later."

"Well, I've never seen my mother apologize to anyone for anything, so…."

"Let's not get too excited, spirit fingers," Eliza smiled. "Come on, let's go make sure my parents are doing okay."

"You got, it," Bucky smiled as he followed Eliza out.

Zed shook his head and checked on the turkey in the oven.

"Zed, I am so sorry about that. Everything looks amazing. Are you sure you don't need any help sweetie?" Missy asked as she walked back into the kitchen for the hundredth time that afternoon.

Zed gave her a shy smile, knowing it was just her way of checking up on him. "I'm sure, Mayor Missy. The turkey is the only thing that isn't ready, and that should be finished shortly."

"Thank you for cooking on such short notice," she said as she gave him a hug.

"Thank you for having groceries delivered yesterday," he said with a slight laugh.

"It's the least I could do. I didn't want you driving yesterday, especially if it was because you were cooking more for my family."

"Missy dear?" Chief Dale said as he walked into the kitchen. "I just got a call from work. I need to run in for a few minutes."

"But we're going to be eating soon. Can't it wait?"

"No, it can't. I promise I won't miss dinner. I'll be back as quick as possible."

Missy looked back at Zed. "How long until the turkey is ready?"

"Twenty minutes left in the oven and then it has to rest for a few before it's carved and served."

Missy looked back at her husband. "You've got forty minutes. Don't be late."

Dale let out a small laugh and kissed his wife's cheek. "Yes, ma'am."

Missy blew him a kiss and turned back to Zed. "Are you sure you don't need any help?"

"I'm sure." he smiled

"Alright, I'm going to go keep my sister and brother-in-law in line."

Zed let out a small laugh. "Good luck with that."

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An hour later, dinner was on the table and everyone was seated waiting for Chief Dale to return. Missy was furiously tapping out a text on her phone when she heard the door open.

"It's about time," she said as she stood up to

scold her husband.

"I know, I know, I know, but I got a little held up with some paperwork," he apologized walking in and kissing his wife's cheek.

"What kind of paperwork was so important that it had to be done on Thanksgiving?"

"The hospital release kind," he said with a smile. Just then Zevon walked into the room.

"Daddy!" Zoey exclaimed at the same time that Zed said, "Pops!" They both rushed from the table and hugged him tightly.

"Oh, I missed you guys," Zevon said as he welcomed them into his arms. There wasn't a dry eye in the room as they all watched the reunion.

"Dad," Addison said as she wiped a tear from her eye, "this is why you had to go back in?"

Dale smiled and shook his head in confirmation.

"Thank you," she said hugging him.

With everyone now seated around the table, Missy looked over to Zed. "Zed, sweetie, since you did all the cooking, it's only right that you'd get to say grace this year."

Zed smiled nervously as he stood up. "Normally we just say the same thing Linus says in the Peanuts Thanksgiving Special. So...here it goes. 'In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast. They invited the great Indian Chief Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food. Governor William Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests. Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this: 'We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land. We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice.''"

"Well I think that's awfully fitting," Chief Dale said holding up a glass. "To family and friends."

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As dinner began to wrap up, Addison leaned over and whispered in Zed's ear. "I think we should tell everyone."

"Now? I thought we were going to wait for Christmas?" Zed whispered back.

Addison shook her head in confirmation as she smiled brightly. "We're all together now," she whispered.

Zed smiled and kissed her cheek. "Let's do this."

"Excuse me," she said as she stood up, pulling Zed up along with her. "Zed and I have an announcement!"

The reactions around the table varied from Zoey excitedly shouting "YES!" to Missy clutching her pearls and grabbing her husbands hand.

"After a lot of thought and consideration, we've decided…." Zed said looking over to Addison.

"We're going to Shoreline University!" They both said in unison.

The reactions around the table reversed.

"Oh thank goodness!" Missy said as she stood up and hugged them both.

Zoey pouted and stuck her tongue out at her brother when he looked in her direction.

"Yes!" Bucky said congratulating them both. "When did you decide?"

"We signed our commitment letters Tuesday evening," Zed said as he walked over and hugged his father.

"And you didn't feel the need to tell me at some point over the four-hour car ride home that night?"

"Sorry, Bucky!" Addison giggled. "We wanted to tell everyone together. We were going to wait for Christmas, but since we're all together today..."

"Missy, do you want to tell everyone now?" Dale asked as he hugged his daughter tightly.

"Yeah, Mom. What's been going on lately?"

Missy stood up and cleared her throat. "While we're sharing big announcements, I've got something to share as well. As you know, this upcoming year is my last as Mayor. It also happens to be Governor Mitchell's last year of his last term." She took a deep breath before she continued. "Governor Mitchell has asked me to run as his successor in next years election. And, as of yesterday afternoon, I have secured the parties nomination...I'm running for Governor!"

The table erupted in cheers and congratulations once more. As Zed and Addison looked around the table at their friends and families celebrating together, they both wore smiles. They had so much to be thankful for, and days like today were a perfect reminder.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This probably doesn't even need to be said, but I do not own any Peanuts characters nor can I take credit for any part of the Thanksgiving special.

So, Zevon is home, Zed and Addison have picked out a school, and Missy is running for Governor! That's one busy Thanksgiving dinner!

I hope everyone enjoyed this weeks chapter! Leave a review and let me know!

Updates will be back on schedule. See everyone next Friday!