Hi! I did something super cheesy and I hope you know where it came from! Hint: Maddie's b-day present from I DIDN'T HAVE SCHOOL TODAY! There is ice everywhere! My dad got up at 5am to go to work, and he could never get out of the driveway! That's how bad it is. I have enjoyed staying warm and sleeping in, and watching movies (Elf of course) and drinking hot chocolate. It's good to have these days to just lay around and find comfort. So if any of you got snowed in, let me know! Okay, go ahead and read! 2-3 Chapters left (I know I said that last time, but one is now an epilogue)!

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Three Weeks passed in a blink of an eye and Maddie's birthday was coming. All the invitations were sent out and the catering and musicians were hired. Most of the people coming would be friends and acquaintances of her parents, important people involved in her father's business. This was a high A-List party, and the buzz from the paparazzi and news had been around for at least a month. Many specials about the up-coming had been aired on TV about the first birthday home with her parents, and then a review of what had happened over the last few years. And despite the constant phone calls begging for an interview and the paparazzi following her (and Zac, the new "mystery boyfriend") move, she was excited about this party. Her coming home party was a surprise that happened too early on in her transition to her real life, that she freaked out on the inside. But this time, there was no doubt that she was Madeline Grey and she belonged in this world. She had finally laid those doubts to rest.

Her real birthday was on a Thursday that week, so her grand birthday party would be celebrated on that Saturday. So when Thursday morning came around, she made her way downstairs, giving a big hug to her mother and father, having a delicious birthday breakfast, and had a normal day at school, just like she would if she had other birthdays with her family. Zac surprised her at her locker handing her a small box.

"Happy Birthday" he said, flashing his pearly whites then kissing her soundly on the lips.

"You didn't have to get me anything." Maddie smiled warmly at him. They had only been officially dating for a few weeks so she didn't expect him to get her anything.

"Yes I did. Open it."

She slowly lifted the lid and saw a small charm bracelet, holding a few charms on it. Placing each charm between her fingers, she closely examined them. She raised her eyebrow at Zac when she held one up, asking for his reasoning behind each charm.

"A piano, because that time you played for me at your house." She lifted another one; Two dancing people. "Our dance at your Welcome Home party." She pointed to another one. "A stethoscope for when we used to play doctor." Maddie giggled and held up another one. "A house because you finally came home." She stopped before touching the last charm. "And my heart because… well, because you already have mine. I love you." Maddie looked into his eyes, soaking in the moment to hold onto forever.

"You sure you love me? I can be a bit crazy sometimes." Maddie joked while her heart soared.

Zac laughed and pulled her close again. "I think I do. Crazy people are good for each other."

XXX

After school, Maddie came home and relaxed until her parents got off work. Whend dinner time came around, Ana came upstairs and knocked on her door. "Dinner's ready, honey." As she came downstairs, she noticed more people sitting at her dining room table. Emilie and Teddy, her grandparents, Grace and Carrick, Phoebe, Elliot and Kate, and her Aunt Mia. They stood, waiting for her to sit at the table. She grinned so wide, she could barely feel her cheeks. "What are you guys doing here?"

Christian, placed at the head of the table, stood to kiss his daughter's forehead. "We always have dinner together on your birthday. Now you get to actually join us."

They all sat down and was served by a few members of her family's staff. Wine was flowing and old stories were told as the table conversed as one. Kate, sitting across from Maddie grabbed her hand and squeezed it. "How are you honey? I've heard you had a rough patch?"

"I'm fine, really. So much better. Where's Grace?"

"She needed to stay home to finish some project. Despite her lack of English, she's doing very well in school. She's sorry she couldn't make it." Elliot chimed in, then taking a swig from his wine glass.

Maddie smiled. "Have I ever told you thank you for all you've done? I truly mean it. I love you both."

Kate smiled warmly, tears filling her eyes. "We love you too. We're so glad you're back in our lives for good."

Around the table, small talk continued. Mia told everyone about her recent trip to Paris, Phoebe explained her motives when she moves to Colorado, despite the Jack Hyde fiasco. And Emilie and Teddy talked about the wedding, no longer bad blood between Emilie and Christian. Emilie also mentioned how she hoped to reach out to her daughter she gave up for adoption, Grace adding in her admiration the adoption program and all it has done for her family. As she watched the people around her, she realized how much she loved all of them, and was so happy to be home. The bitterness from her being taken and missing out on all of her life has been drowned by the sweet feeling in her heart and her decision to enjoy her life now. After plates were cleared, Ana came in with a cake, seventeen candles aflame on top. Everyone began singing "Happy Birthday" softly, as Ana and a few other's shed some small tears. Before Maddie blew out the candles, Ana spoke. "After you were taken, we all got together on your birthday and ate dinner, and had a birthday cake. Your father and I would blow out the candles for you, wishing for you to come home. I don't think we need to blow out the candles this year. We got what we wished for." Ana wiped a few stray tears and squeezed Maddie's shoulder.

Her voice thick with tears she replied, "So did I."

Christian had moved to stand behind Maddie and next to Ana. "Make a wish sweetheart."

Maddie closed her eyes. I wish to always have these people in my life. I know what it's like to not have them, and I don't want that life. She blew out the candles and applause erupted from the table. Maddie stood to give her parents a hug, thanking them for everything. After the cake had been eaten, people made their way to leave, promising that their presents will be given on Saturday. Maddie just replied that their attendance was a present itself.

Ana and Christian kissed Maddie goodnight and made their way to their bedroom. A grin was plastered on Ana's face. Christian chuckled. "Happy?"

"Very. This was the best birthday dinner yet."

Placing his hands on her shoulders, he leaned in close towards her, his breath on her neck. "I have to agree." He leaned down and kissed her cool skin, watching the goose bumps rise.

Ana turned and faced him, wrapping her arms around her neck. "Have I told you how much I love you lately? And will always love you?"

Christian ran his nose against hers. "Yes you have. Maybe not with words, but I know. And I love you too."

In the next room, Maddie laid wide awake in her bed, the fuzzy feeling left from the dinner still swirling through her body. She finally felt that everything was going to be okay. Nothing bad can happen. She has enough love in the world to be happy for the rest of her life. She finally closed her eyes, telling herself that Saturday will be another great day.

If only she knew.

XXX

Did you get the charm bracelet thing? Hope that wasn't too cheesy. Okay well since the weather permits me to stay inside, that high quality, drama filled, heart racing chapter might be up this weekend. Love yu guys! Enjoy the snow if you got some!