Chapter 23

Thanksgiving had arrived.

Nalani hadn't expected much for the holiday season, just wanting to spend a quiet evening at home, but Kaci had other plans in mind. After Nalani finally told her the truth about what really happened, about the rape and her reasoning for leaving Mark, the woman refused to leave her alone. Kaci made a very impetuous decision and moved to Dallas with Randy, Jen, Anthony and Giselle, not really giving her fiancé a choice in the matter. Randy would follow her anywhere, simply saying whatever made Kaci happy and he knew that was being close to her best friend.

Mark was nice enough to offer helping them move, just like Randy had helped Nalani move in with him all those years ago. Nalani did as well, the kids immediately interacting with each other even though Jen recently turned six years old. Anthony was now three and Giselle was only a few months, radiant as ever. Surprisingly enough, the move wasn't that hard to do and, when it was finished, Nalani couldn't have been happier to have Kaci living in the same town as her.

Then again, they were next door neighbors now.

After Kaci found out that her best friend had been raped by her ex-boyfriend, she wasn't taking any more chances, having cried her heart out. Nalani had been completely alone because Mark had lived on the outskirts of Houston and Kaci felt guilty for not being able to stop the rape from happening. She actually vomited right on the porch when Nalani told her Scott had also been the one who raped and murdered Nicole, the past always coming back to bite them. Kaci realized life was too short and living far away from Nalani, who lived in Dallas all by herself, simply wasn't acceptable.

"I'm moving to Dallas." Kaci had stated hours later while they both nursed a glass of wine, both of them needing it. "Don't you dare try talking me out of it, Nalani Olivia. I wasn't there for you like I should've been. If I would've lived closer to you, if you lived closer to people, that mother fucker would've…"

"He still would've tried." Nalani had assured her solemnly, staring down at her glass of wine, silent tears sliding down her face. "As morose as this may sound, I don't regret the rape happening."

Kaci had nearly dropped her glass of wine, violet eyes wide in abhorrer, wondering if Nalani lost her mind. "W-What do you mean?" She stammered out, which was definitely something Kaci normally didn't do, but she was stunned at the moment.

Closing her eyes, Nalani had stood up and leaned over the ledge of her wraparound porch, more tears falling. "Because I got to experience what Nicole did and now she doesn't have to be alone in it. I know it doesn't make any sense, but it's my fault she's gone, that Dad is gone. It's my fault because I'm the one who brought Scott into my life and house, I trusted him with everything I had until I found those video tapes. I just…" Nalani couldn't go on and felt Kaci come up behind her, holding her close, wrapping her in a tight embrace.

"It's not your fault, don't say another word." Nalani's words broke her heart and Kaci realized right at that moment just how much lethal pain her best friend had gone through. "It's alright now, Nala. Everything is going to be alright now, I promise."

A month later after that breakdown, Kaci moved to Dallas with her family, having purchased the vacant house that was right next door to Nalani. The girls were thrilled when the older couple had announced the day after Kaci's visit that they were moving to Hawaii on a permanent vacation. When Kaci made an offer, Nalani's jaw dropped and the older couple instantly agreed, wanting to leave Dallas as soon as possible. Kaci called Randy, basically telling him she was moving to Dallas and he could come if he wanted to, but the kids definitely were.

"Nala needs me, Randy. I love you, but she's my sister and she needs us in Dallas." That was all she had to say and Randy jumped onboard, both of them honestly wanting to get out of Houston for awhile now.

Jolting out of her thoughts, Nalani walked inside the kitchen to check on her twenty pound turkey, wearing a simple dark blue dress that was simple and sophisticated. It was long sleeved, clung to her body and went down her knees, a simple hoop neckline that didn't show anything. It brought out her eyes though, which were rimmed in very light black eyeliner, her hair pulled up in a high bun to keep out of her face while she cooked. The twins were currently with Mark and Nalani still couldn't believe he accepted her invitation to Thanksgiving dinner, after Kaci's constant persisting.

"Sure darlin', I'll be here." Mark simply said, the malice gone from his voice, one of the many things Nalani was thankful for.

Even though she knew Mark was keeping things between them civil for the sake of the twins, their children.

Knocking sounded at the door followed by it opening, little footsteps heading toward the kitchen. Nalani's face lit up at the sight of her children, bending down as they both flew into her arms, laughing as both of them began chattering away. She made faces that showed them she was fully paying attention, getting excited as they were, nodding when they both demanded food. She couldn't help chuckling, Matthew and Megan definitely inherited their father's appetite, kissing their foreheads.

"Happy Wanksgivin', momma." They both announced in unison, handing over what they made for her, causing tears to instantly fill her eyes.

It was a picture of each of them in a turkey frame with her and Mark, Nalani remembering when Mark had taken these. It was on Halloween with Megan being a purple princess and Matthew opted for a ninja costume he saw, but he'd taken his mask off long enough to snap the picture. Each of their faces were squeezed together, the kids in the center, eyes sparkling with happiness. The turkey frames had been made and they were honestly the best frames Nalani ever saw in her life simply because her angels made them for her.

"Thank you, my angels." She whispered, kissing each of them once again and stood up to blink her tears away, clearing her throat. "Why don't you go in the living room while momma continues cooking?"

"Carwoons!" They both took off running, causing her to laugh softly and set the pictures on the counter, trying to regain her composure.

"That was very sweet of you to help them, Mark." She said softly, beginning to chop some celery for her homemade stuffing.

"Not a problem, Nalani." Mark replied, knowing that meant a lot to her, wondering what was going through her mind. "You alright?"

Honestly, Nalani didn't know what to think about Mark being in her life again, still not believing he'd tracked her down after three years and finding out the twins were indeed his. That was another thing Nalani was thankful for…Mark being the father of Matthew and Megan, more tears filling her eyes. It meant those angels weren't created out of hatred, but instead love.

She knew that there was always a chance Scott could come back to finish the job like he promised, but honestly Nalani didn't care what happened to her. Mark could take care of himself and she had to accept the fact she couldn't save everyone, that the death of her family wasn't her fault. It took her a very long time to accept that, but after her breakdown with Kaci, it finally sunk in that Scott had manipulated and scared her for years.

There was no way she could ever keep Mark away from his children, not after taking the first three years away from him. Nalani also knew she would always love Mark until the day she died. Nothing would ever change that and there would never be another man who could replace him in her mind and heart. He was her soul mate and Nalani had hurt him more than words could say, thankful he hadn't walked away from the twins.

He was honestly the greatest man alive.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She answered, shaking herself mentally and turned back around to continue chopping the ingredients up for her stuffing, knowing Kaci and Keela would be here any second.

Keela had recently found out her and Glen were having their own little bundle of joy and was currently four months pregnant, the stomach pouching out slightly. They were thrilled and Keela couldn't stop gushing about being a mother, definitely having that mommy gene that Nalani thought she didn't have. Everything about pregnancy agreed with Keela, even the morning sickness, though that didn't stop the woman from watching her two favorite little people.

"Kee-Kee!" Megan yelled as soon as the front door opened, running to her nanny as the woman scooped her up in her arms.

"Hey Meg! How's my favorite little girl doin' huh?" Keela greeted, both of them rubbing their noses together with huge smiles on their faces, Glen following inside holding a rhubarb pie. "Where's your momma pumpkin?"

Megan pointed and Keela nodded, setting her down on the couch with Matthew, who simply waved at her while his eyes were glued to cartoons on the television. "Some things never change." Keela grunted wholeheartedly and stood right in front of the little man she'd practically helped raise, folding her arms in front of her chest. "Where's my hug?"

Matthew chuckled and reached his arms out, hugging Keela around the neck tightly, groaning when she kissed the top of his head. "Ewww!" Keela laughed and waved her hand to Glen, wearing a pair of stretch black dress pants with a lavender top that accented her pregnant body nicely.

"Hello Mark, thank you once again for giving my fiancé here a job." Keela said that every time she saw Mark, truly thankful for the man's generosity, sighing when he simply kissed the top of her head. "I mean it, you saved us."

"He's a hell of a worker." Mark stated, smiling and shaking Glen's hand, having grown closer to the man, becoming fast friends. "What's that?"

"Rhubarb pie and if you touch it before dessert, I'll castrate you." Keela smiled sweetly, heading inside the kitchen with a big grin on her face, brown eyes sparkling.

Mark blinked, glancing back at Glen and chuckled ruefully. "Good luck with that, man."

He couldn't imagine what Nalani had been like during her nine months of pregnancy, cringing at the thought, though still sad he hadn't been there to watch her body change. To feel her stomach while the babies kicked against his palm, the ultrasounds he'd missed to hear their heartbeats and see them grow with each passing month…Mark had read up extensively on childcare after finding out the twins were his. Glen was going to be able to experience everything, which saddened Mark more, immediately forcing those thoughts out of his mind just as the door opened again.

Kaci and Randy walked inside, Randy holding Giselle while Jen and Tony walked ahead of them, all three looking adorable. Megan immediately went to Jen while Tony joined Matthew on the couch, practically best friends already. It warmed all four parents' hearts to watch them interact, even with Jen being two years older than Megan and Matthew being a year older than Tony.

"Where's my sister?" Kaci demanded, after hugging Mark, kissing the man's cheek and winked over her shoulder at Randy when he growled playfully. "Knock it off and settle the kids down, Giselle's seat is in the car."

"Yes my mistress." Randy bowed mockingly with humor filled blue eyes, immediately going to do Kaci's bidding, the woman having him wrapped around her finger.

Mark was about to ask if the man needed any help finding his balls when the door opened again, his eyes widening at who stepped inside. "What in the hell are ya doin' here?" He demanded, immediately crossing the room, staring in the light blue eyes of his best friend.

"Now ya didn't honestly think ya'd be movin' to Dallas without yer best man, did ya?" Steve grinned from ear to ear, both men hugging each other in a brotherly embrace, not having seen each other since Mark left Houston months ago.

"It's damn good to see ya, cue ball."

"You too, Rigamortis."

Mark chuckled when Steve snorted, holding the door open as a beautiful blonde stepped through the door, her warm brown eyes looking a little apprehensive. "Hello Trish."

Trish smiled tenderly, accepting a hug from Mark, nodding. "I hope you don't mind the intrusion, but Steve really didn't want to spend Thanksgiving without you, Mark." She knew they were closer than brothers, honestly not minding, and looped her arm through Steve's, wearing a simple dark red dress that went to her knees, long sleeved, with a V shaped neckline that was very tasteful and classy.

"Mark, who's…" The words died on Nalani's lips at the sight of Steve Austin standing in her living room, blue eyes widening and tears instantly filled her eyes. "Oh my god, Steve…"

Steve looked up at Mark, knowing they'd come to an understanding on the Nalani matter, and he wasn't about to ruin Thanksgiving for everyone. "Hey honey." He greeted warmly, frowning when huge tears slid down her face, groaning because he honestly hadn't meant to make her cry. "Aww hellfire…" He crossed the room and took Nalani in his arms, hugging her tightly, having been close to the woman for three years. "Don't cry, honey…I didn't mean to make ya cry, shit."

Nalani couldn't help it and hugged him back tightly, honestly never expecting to see Steve Austin again, finally pulling back as he took her hands, giving her a once over. "It's so great seeing you again." She meant that, not believing how incredible he looked and wiped her tears away, laughing in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry. God I'm a mess…"

Steve chuckled, kissing the top of her head, knowing Nalani probably thought he hated her for what she did to Mark. "Nah, yer more beautiful than ever, honey." His eyes didn't hold any grudges and Nalani was thankful for that, his head dipping so his mouth hovered over her ear. "Whatever happened is the past, let's move on." She nodded and kissed his cheek, walking past him to extend her and to the beautiful blonde Steve brought with him.

"Hi, I'm Nalani Kensington-Martin."

If Trish was shocked to hear that last name, she didn't show it and smiled back, the women shaking hands. "It's nice to finally meet you, Nalani. I've heard a lot about you." Trish replied sincerely, Steve cringing slightly when she said that.

"All good I hope."

"Of course." Trish laughed softly, her blonde hair pulled back in a clip. "Where can I set this? It's my grandma's homemade potato casserole."

"Right this way."

Nalani lead her toward the kitchen, winking at Steve to let him know she definitely approved, Kaci and Keela busy chattering away in the kitchen while they cooked. Mark and Steve both sighed a breath of relief, Glen shaking his head while hearing Keela talking about the nursery they were building for their upcoming bundle of joy. He couldn't wipe the smile from his face, both Steve and Mark suddenly punching him in the arm to snap him out of it, laughing.

It was a house full of laughter.

Another knock sounded on the front door, causing Mark to raise his eyebrow, Steve immediately looking sheepish. "What did you do, Austin?" Mark demanded, heading to answer it.

"I kinda invited…a few others…"

"THE PARTY HAS ARRIVED!"

Mark groaned and slapped his face, closing his eyes as none other than John Cena's voice barreled through the house. "You didn't…"

"Cena, shut the hell up before I kick your ass." Kevin grunted from behind good-naturedly, both of them having beautiful women on their arms.

"Yes John, shut up." Jane ordered, grinning when John simply winked down at her, shaking her head. "My silly man."

"You wouldn't want me any other way, baby girl."

"What the hell did you do, Austin?" Mark couldn't believe John and Kevin had shown up, going to greet them with handshakes and hugs, kissing each woman on the cheek. "It's great seein' ya again, ladies."

Sandra smiled, having fiery red hair that was cropped short, a beautiful diamond ring on her left ring finger telling everyone she was married to the tall man beside her. "You know me, I had to drag Kev out for Thanksgiving, especially when Steve called." She stated, causing Mark to nod, wondering who the hell else Steve invited.

Just as that thought crossed his mind, another knock sounded at the door and this time, Steve answered it, beaming. "I'm glad ya made it, man." He hugged the individual and guided him inside, Mark's eyes widening, this time overwhelming emotions coursing through him.

"Bill."

"Hello again Deadman." Bill greeted, chuckling when the man walked over to give him a hug, Mark squeezing his eyes tightly shut because this man was like a father to him. "Easy Mark, I'm an old man after all."

"Old my ass." Mark grunted, pulling back and stared at Steve, who had a Cheshire grin on his face, not believing the man had actually invited his mentor. "It's really great havin' ya here, Bill."

"Mark, can you…Oh…" Nalani blinked at all the bodies in her living room, swallowing hard, Kaci standing beside her while Keela took the other. "Kevin? John?" Her mouth dropped when Bill Moody shuffled his way to make himself present, Nalani covering her mouth with her hand. "Bill…" He'd been the one who directed her family's funeral and Nalani couldn't help as more tears cascaded down her cheeks, Matthew instantly coming toward her.

"Don't cry, my dear." Bill walked over and handed his own dish, which was a simple apple cobbler, taking Nalani's trembling hands in his own. "You look as lovely as the last time I saw you."

"You two know each other?" Mark demanded, his eyes narrowing slightly, staring back at both Bill and then a very emotional Nalani. "How?"

"He was my family's funeral director, Mark." Nalani answered, wiping her tears away, sniffling before giving Bill a warm embrace. "And he always called to check on me to make sure I was alright. He knew who I really was and didn't say anything because he didn't want the media coming after me after the murders…" She swallowed hard, though that didn't stop the smile that crossed her face. "And I haven't seen him in years, I'm so glad you're here, Bill. Please sit down, you must be exhausted…"

Mark blinked, not knowing that and wondered why Bill hadn't said anything, deciding not to even bother figuring his mentor out. "Yeah, come and sit down." He helped Bill sit down in the comfortable recliner, smiling down at the old man who slowly but surely made Mark the man he was today.

"Do you need anything?" Nalani immediately asked, all the kids whining because the adults were quickly taking up the living room space. "I could bring you some water or…"

"How about a glass of wine, my dear?" Bill smiled when she nodded, watching Nalani bustle off into the kitchen, leaving him alone with the men.

Mark took Megan and Jen into the purple room while Randy took Tony and Matthew into his, each child having their own television with cable hookup so they could watch cartoons. He left the doors open and walked back out with Randy, Giselle sleeping peacefully in her seat next to the couch, Randy instantly going to check on her. He definitely was the fatherly type and Mark silently hoped he could live up to those expectations with the twins.

Nalani walked back out a few minutes later, handing Bill his glass of wine. "Everyone sit down and relax, dinner will be ready shortly." She began walking away when a hand shot out, stopping her from leaving, emerald green eyes meeting surprised blue. "Mark?"

Mark didn't say anything and pulled her into the hallway away from everyone, his hair pulled back in a neat low tail, rubbing his hands together. "I didn't know Steve was plannin'…" He blinked when she pressed a finger to his lips, that smile never leaving her face, making her more radiant than ever.

"I know and it's okay. I'm so glad everyone's here. Now relax and enjoy yourself, I need to get back to cooking." She began walking away again when Mark stopped her, feeling him pull her into his arms, their foreheads meeting.

His hot breath on her face nearly took Nalani's breath away, not having been this close to him in months. "Thank you darlin'." He whispered, inhaling her intoxicating scent before reluctantly releasing her, knowing he had to find a way to let her go.

Honestly, Mark didn't know if he could.

"You're welcome." She walked past him back inside the kitchen, slightly flushed and wondered what that was about, busy gathering dishes to bring into the dining room.

Kaci, Keela, Trish, Sandra and Jane all noticed and didn't say anything, simply trying to finish dinner, which was a huge spread. Turkey with gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, deviled eggs, sweet potatoes with brown sugar, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, Brussels sprouts, potato casserole and homemade dinner rolls. For dessert, they had pumpkin, rhubarb and strawberry pies, apple cobbler, a huge velvet cake one of the older ladies gave Nalani at work the previous day, cookies of all kinds, cupcakes with little turkey decorations on them and pumpkin bars Nalani had made from scratch, a recipe from her mother.

Nalani couldn't believe all the food and knew it would be packed away with all the big men they were feeding, chuckling softly. Once dinner was set, Kaci called everyone into the kitchen, grabbing Giselle while Randy retrieved their children, Mark carrying Megan out with Jen trailing behind, immediately going to her father's side. They all stood there and Nalani held her hand up before everyone sat down, closing her eyes, trying to figure out the right words to say.

"Before we all sit down, I just wanted to say how truly blessed and thankful I am to have all of you here." Her eyes locked with Mark briefly before smiling at her children and godchildren. "I can honestly say this is the best Thanksgiving I've ever had and...I never expected this…" Overcome with emotion, Nalani lowered her head and Kaci instantly came to her side, knowing this had to be a lot for her best friend to take in, nodding when Kaci asked if she was alright. "I'm more than fine, I'm just overwhelmed…"

"I know, I know you are, but you're not alone anymore." Kaci whispered, forcing Nalani's eyes to meet hers, wiping her tears away with a tissue. "You can finally be happy and peaceful, Nala."

Without Kaci these past few months, Nalani knew she would've completely fallen apart, nodding. "I know." Somewhere out there Scott was lurking, but there was no way Nalani was going to let him ruin her life and scare her away from people who loved and cared about her. "I'm alright, I promise."

"I know you are, but I can't help worrying." Kaci winked, both women laughing softly and hugging tightly, Nalani squeezing her eyes shut because of how much emotion and feeling coursed through her. "I love you, Kace."

"I love you too, Nala, always." She took Nalani's hand and clasped their hands together, pressing it over her heart, sniffling. "We're sisters no matter what happens."

"Sisters forever." Nalani whispered, not having said that in a very long time, Kaci kissing their clasped hands with an affirmative nod. "Thank you for everything."

Kaci leaned forward, her mouth right by Nalani's ear. "I think it's time you tell him the truth." She then squeezed Nalani's hand and walked back over to Randy's side, immediately accepting his embrace.

"In memory of my family, my sister Nicole and my father, Michael Kensington." Nalani raised her glass of wine up, having poured one, the kids having juice boxes. "They will always be remembered and never forgotten." She wiped her tears away, remembering the Thanksgivings she used to share with her family, missing them every day and wished they were here to share this moment with her. "There was a tradition in my family and, although it may seem stupid to some of you, I feel it's appropriate for what this holiday represents. So, we're going to go around the table and say one thing we're thankful for. Since this is my idea, I'll go first." Nalani felt her mouth go dry and looked at Kaci, who urged her to continue, gaining strength from her best friend. "I'm thankful for my children and forgiveness."

"I'm thankful for my children, the wonderful man in my life and my sister." Kaci stated, not caring if it wasn't one thing, smiling as Randy kissed her lips softly.

"And I'm thankful to have the most beautiful family and a woman who puts up with my stubborn ass." Randy stated, causing everyone to laugh softly.

Tears swelled in Keela's eyes as she placed a hand on her protruding stomach, staring up at the man she loved more than anything. "I'm thankful for our baby and having this man in my life." Glen held her close, knowing her hormones were going completely haywire.

"I'm thankful to have you Kee, our baby and the wonderful job Mark has given me." Glen stated, knowing without that job he wouldn't be able to support his family, kissing her tears away, his hand resting on top of hers.

"A second chance at life." Kevin knew that statement rang true to his fellow friends and ex-members of the crew, closing his eyes briefly before kissing Sandra's lips softly. "And my beautiful wife."

Sandra smiled, leaning against Kevin's side. "I'm thankful to have found you, Kev and the wonderful people we have in our lives."

It was John's turn and he'd thought about it for a little while, feeling Jane lace her fingers with his, bringing her hand up to softly kiss the back of it. "It's you, I can't think of anything else I'm more thankful for then having you in my life, baby girl. You saved me from messin' up and deal with my hood rat crazy ways." John laughed gently, shaking his head, knowing his life was complete the moment he met Jane with her unique grey eyes and incredible personality.

"No, you saved me, John and I'm thankful to have you in my life." Jane kissed his lips softly, sighing blissfully. "You're all I need."

Steve sighed when all eyes rested on him and felt Trish grab his hand, knowing he had to break the tension somehow. "Beer." Everyone began laughing, Trish slapping him lightly on the chest, chuckling softly. "Hey, ya'll know how much I love my beer, but…" He glanced down at the beautiful blonde on his arm, knowing he was indeed a lucky man. "What I'm thankful for is on my arm, just like the rest of ya'll here. Without her, I wouldn't be here right now and I'm also glad to have all of you as my friends, my brothers…" He held his fist up and pressed it over his heart, Kevin, Mark and John all doing it simultaneously, something only they knew.

"The feeling is mutual, sweetie." Trish assured him, kissing him softly, sighing happily. "With as great of a career and life as I have, Steve accepts me for who I am instead of what I am and I'm very thankful to have him with me."

It was Bill's turn and his eyes fastened on Mark, who was very hard to read right now, smiling. "I'm thankful for the men Mark Calaway and Steve Austin have grown into. They're like my sons and I can't think of any other place I'd rather be than right here on Thanksgiving. So thank you for allowing me the opportunity." He raised his glass of wine, knowing he was also thankful for how successful his funeral parlor was, but nothing compared to being here with two men he considered his family.

Mark cleared his throat, knowing he was the final one, staring down at his glass of wine and sighed gently. "There's too many things I'm thankful for. I mean findin' out I'm a father to two beautiful kids is definitely on my top list…" Honestly though, Mark knew what he was really thankful for and she stood across the table from him, his eyes locking with hers and held that blue gaze. "Fuckin' Christ…" He suddenly walked around the table toward her, everything about Nalani drawing him to her, no matter what she'd done to him. "Goddamn it woman, I'm thankful for YOU!" He gripped her arms and pulled her against him, watching as her eyes got bigger and wider, too stunned to say anything as their foreheads met again. "It's you, Nalani Olivia Kensington-Martin! I don't care what the hell happened, I don't care what ya did to me! I still fuckin' love you and I can't stop it! I love you, darlin', I fuckin' love you and I can't let you go!"

Without another thought, Mark suddenly captured her lips with his in a soul searing, toe curling, passionate kiss that took both of their breath away, tears spilling down both of their faces from how much emotion passed between them. Nalani knew she should be pushing him away, but enough was enough. She loved this man more than words could say and didn't have the heart or strength to do it anymore, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Lifting her up, Mark and Nalani clung to each other for dear life, the world disappearing around them.

It was just them and Nalani felt complete for the first time in years, finally succumbing to her heart's desire. A round of applause sounded as Mark reluctantly pulled away from her lips, still holding Nalani against him, both of them staring at everyone who clapped for them. Nalani blushed furiously, burying her face in Mark's neck while Mark simply chuckled before capturing her lips again, whistles and cat calls ensuing while the kids looked at the adults like they'd gone mad.

Once that moment ended, Nalani promised to talk with Mark later and they sat down to eat Thanksgiving dinner with their friends and family.