Ch 17

It was Thanksgiving as the Gibson sisters made their first stop to their mother's house with her husband Albert. Walking up the steps of her mother Macy's townhouse, she rung the doorbell and stood back with her sister.

Albert opened the door and smiled. "Why hello girls, glad you could make it," he said as he stood aside to let them in. "Your mother's in the kitchen, cooking up a storm."

"That's mom all right," said Alyssa to Max before they came into the kitchen to see their mom hard at work. "Hey mom, you need any help?"

Macy turned and smiled at her girls. "Why thank you Alyssa."

"Well I'll just leave you two to it then," said Max as she joined Albert in the living room. 'Time to get to know my stepfather a little better,' she thought as she sat down on the couch beside his recliner. She waited for the game he was watching to go to commercial. "Before she could find out anything, he spoke.

"What would you like to know Max?" he asked.

Max smiled. "Just what are your intentions with my mother?"

Albert laughed. "Well I want to make sure she's happy and feels safe with me. That was dad's intentions towards my mother before I was born."

"Wow, that's so schway. I know those things are important to my mother."

"I know you've haven't seen her that much because she use to travel for work, but I'm here to make sure she stays put and spends time with you and Alyssa. She use to tell me how she regretted leaving you both behind, missing the best and worse parts of your lives."

"I think you just might be the best stepfather ever."

"Thank you Max we're glad you and Alyssa could come but what happened to Derek and Terry?"

"Alyssa said Derek had something important he needed to take care of, but I'm not sure when he's coming. I thought it was important that Terry spend time with his mom and Matt today. Usually he's working for Mr. Wayne this time of year but he gave him the day off."

"He's lucky to have you."

"I know, right?" said Max as they both laughed.

Dinner was called and the two made their way to the kitchen to see the full table. Before they could sit down, the doorbell rang so Alyssa decided to get it, knowing it could be her husband. Alyssa walked into the dinning room with Derek and joined Macy, Albert, and Max for dinner.

The food was good as well as the conversation. Max felt hopeful for the first time that her family was back together again. It had been so long since she felt like her life was on track.

"So, what are you thankful for Max?" asked Alyssa, " you know besides Terry?" she smirked as she got off her chair and chased her sister around the house, determined to make her pay.

The puking sounds coming from her father Allen's bathroom began to worry Max. She wanted to get up an try and help her sister through this, but her father insisted this was normal during pregnancy.

"I wish there was something we could do," said Derek. "I hate that she's feeling miserable."

"In the end it's worth it you know. You have your baby in your arms. There's nothing like it," said Angela as she stirred the pot on the stove.

"Sounds like you have experience?" asked Derek.

"When all your friends and family are having babies, you begin to understand. I was never able to have children."

"I'm sorry," said Derek.

"Well I guess the bright side is you'll be able to be a part of my daughter's baby's life," said Allen. Looking toward his younger daughter, he wondered what she was thinking. "Maxine, honey is everything ok? You've been kind of quiet."

"I'm going to check on her," said Max as she got up and went to the bathroom. Knocking on the door, she stood back, hearing her sister groan. "Alyssa, are you all right in there?"

"I—I think I just puked up all of mom's cooking," said Alyssa as she stood up, flushed the toilet, and walked out of the bathroom. She smiled. "Thanks for checking up on me sis."

"No problem I'm guessing you're not ready to eat anytime soon."

"I think I'm just going to lie down in one of the guest rooms. Can you tell them for me?"

"Yeah sure but are you sure you're ok? I—

"I know my body Maxine. I just need to rest right now. I'm tired."

"Ok," said Max as she left her sister to see her family setting the table. "Well it looks like Alyssa won't be eating with us. She's resting in one of the guest rooms."

"Oh that's too bad," said Angela. "I'll wrap her up something to go."

"I think I'll go be with my wife," said Derek as he left the dining room.

"Well I guess it's just the three of us," said Allen as the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," said Max as she stood up, walked towards the door, and opened it to come into contact with two baby blue eyes. "Terry," she smiled as she could feel her heart racing.

"Hey Max," he smiled. "I thought I'd drop by and spend some time with you."

"Your mom kicked you out, huh?"

"I think she was getting sick of me."

"You missed me McGinnis, just admit it," she smirked.

"Sure, why not?" he said as he held her face with his hands and kissed her.