Just a quick note. We would love to hear your thoughts. It was not our intent to dissuade comments. Even when we may disagree, we do appreciate and consider the feedback.
Also, we just want to let you know now that there will be no updates the week of July 1 due to RL commitments. We will return to regular posting around July 7 or 8.
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Kim and Marlena sat together on the couch in the Brady living room. The house was quieter now that the children had retreated to the playroom with Eve volunteering to keep an eye on things. Kim suspected that, as much as she might deny it, Eve enjoyed the opportunity to play big sister and cousin to all of the Brady kids.
Caroline had shooed everyone from the kitchen as she put the final touches on the meal. Shawn, Roman, Bo and Carly sat nearby with their eyes glued to the football game on the television. Shane had joined that group and Kim smiled in appreciation at his attempt to pretend to be a football fan.
"Things seem to be going well between you two," Marlena said quietly, nodding her head in Shane's direction.
Kim smiled broadly. "Things are wonderful. I'm just sorry it took us so long to get here." She looked closely at Marlena. "How are you and Roman doing? Are the kids adjusting better?"
Marlena nodded. "They seem to have accepted Roman as Daddy again." She lowered her voice. "I think that's the only reason Roman didn't fight about having John and Isabella here."
Before Kim could respond, there was a knock on the door followed by the entrance of Steve, Kayla, and Stephanie. Commotion ensued as hugs and greetings were exchanged. After several minutes, the pies were safely in the kitchen, Stephanie was deposited with the other children, Kayla joined Kim and Marlena, and Steve pulled up a chair by the television.
"Happy Thanksgiving," Kayla said with a smile as she sat down.
"You too, sis," Kim replied. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked closely at her sister. Something did not seem quite right in Kayla's big blue eyes.
"Everything okay, Kay?" Kim asked.
Kayla smiled again and this time Kim could see that the smile was a bit forced. "Of course, everything's okay. It's Thanksgiving and the whole family is together."
Kim glanced at Marlena and could see that Marlena was thinking the same thing Kim was. Leaning closer, Kim lowered her voice. "You may be able to fool a lot of people, but you can't fool your big sister. What's going on?"
Kayla glanced at Kim and Marlena and then shrugged. "It's really nothing. Steve and I just had a little disagreement. It's nothing to worry about." She looked around. "I guess John and Isabella haven't arrived yet, huh?"
It was obvious that Kayla wanted to change the subject. Kim looked at Marlena who gave a shrug of her own and then answered Kayla's question. "Not yet. I'm hoping they haven't changed their minds about coming. Your mother is really looking forward to everyone being here."
As if on cue, the front door opened after a tentative knock and John and Isabella entered the Brady house. For a moment, everyone just looked at each other and then Caroline rushed from the kitchen and swept John into her embrace.
"I'm so glad you made it," Caroline exclaimed. "I was beginning to worry you had changed your mind."
John smiled. "Well, I did make you a promise, and I'd like to think I'm a man who keeps his promises . . . Even if I don't know anything else about the guy."
Shawn chuckled at John's words. "Well, we know all about him and we're damn proud he's a member of this family."
"Thanks, Po . . . Shawn," John replied with an embarrassed smile.
Before another awkward silence could develop, Kim and Kayla jumped up and welcomed John and Isabella as well. The rest of the family followed behind, except for Roman. He remained where he was and simply offered John a curt nod.
Kim glanced at Kayla who whispered, "At least he didn't jump up and start a fight. Maybe that's progress."
Stifling a giggle, Kim nodded her head in agreement. Once again, the commotion died down as the main group returned to the football game. John joined them, taking a seat between Steve and Shane, while Isabella pulled up a chair beside Kim, Kayla, and Marlena on the couch.
The women exchanged small talk for a few moments, mostly about the funny things their children had done recently. Kim did not miss the slight awkwardness between Isabella and Marlena. As crazy as her own life had been in the last couple of years, Kim still could not quite imagine what it must be like for Marlena and Isabella right now.
Suddenly, Sami came storming from the back room into the living room with Eric, Andrew, and Shawn Douglas trailing behind. Kim stifled a smile as Sami walked straight to Roman, clearly upset about something.
"Daddy," Sami whined when she reached Roman. "The boys won't let me play with them."
"We were playing war, Daddy," Eric said. "She can't play because she's a girl."
Kim exchanged amused glances with the women around her. It was clear they were all on Sami's side on this one.
"It's Thanksgiving," Roman replied, looking at his son. "It's a time for family, so why don't you find something that all of you can play together. How's that sound, Sami?"
But Sami was not looking at Roman anymore. She was staring at John. "Hi, Sami," John said softly. "You sure look pretty in that dress. Is it new?"
Sami nodded. "My daddy got it for me." She looked at John curiously. "How come you're here?"
Kim did not miss the hurt that crossed John's face at Sami's question, but the smile never left as he answered. "Your grandma and grandpa were kind enough to invite me and Isabella over."
Sami turned back to Roman. "But I thought you said John wasn't part of our family anymore? He can't be here for Thanksgiving if he's not part of the family."
Kim's heart clinched at Sami's words. She knew that the young girl had no idea the hurt that her simple words caused. She was just a child caught in a difficult and confusing situation.
Roman smiled at his daughter and pulled his son closer. "You're right. John isn't a member of this family anymore. But your grandparents wanted him here and we need to respect that, okay?"
Kim felt her blood boil at Roman's words. Once again, her older brother had not missed an opportunity to make John feel like an outsider. A quick glance around the room confirmed that her siblings were equally mad.
"But you said Thanksgiving was only for family," Sami insisted.
John stood before Roman could respond. "Actually, Sami," John said, a sad note to his voice. "Your daddy is right. Thanksgiving should be just for family." He turned to Caroline. "I really do appreciate the invitation, but I think it's time for me to go. I hope everybody has a very happy Thanksgiving."
Then, before anybody could stop him, John disappeared through the door.