Happy Reading Everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

***Trigger warning of losing a baby***

One year later

Tris' POV

I stand stretching every muscle in my very stiff body. The traffic was terrible, it was backed up for miles. The kids, Ryan and Katelyn in the back, were both dancing in their car seats waiting to be let out. I can't help the smile on my face as I open the door and reach in to unbuckle them, while Tobias fetches our bags from the trunk. We glance at each other, smiling gently.

It feels longer than a year ago when we were at odds with each other. Neither one of us was willing to give in. Both of us were willing to allow mistakes to continue to tear us apart. Luckily, we both came to our senses. Of course when I say both, I mean mostly me. After all, it was my insecurities that led us down such a dark path in the first place. I see that now. It took a wake up call or should I say the proof of the truth I knew all along to hit me in the face. To then wake me up from another major mistake I was about to welcomingly walk into. Robert.

It took us time to rebuild what we let crumble. Working out our issues with a therapist was just one of the many ways we took to rebuild us. Tobias had to work on believing that he is worthy of me and our family, and I had to work on my insecurities as a woman to be worthy of his love. It wasn't a walk in the park, that's for sure, but it was worth it in the end. As of May we were remarried. Nothing fancy, of course. Just me, Tobias and the justice of peace. Followed by a dinner at a restaurant which our closest family and friends attended with us.

But of course as luck would have it… Our break up turned out to be not the worst thing to ever happen to us. No. It turned out, that was just the bite of the apple. Within weeks of being remarried, Tobias and I found out that we were expecting a baby. We were excited to say the least. Over the moon and back to hear the news. But then the worst happened and I lost the baby. It was nobody's doing really, but my own. I was 11 weeks pregnant when I began bleeding. I was working feeling like I had the flu when I suddenly began to cramp. The next thing I knew I was being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. The doctor apologized for the loss of our fetus."These things just happen." He said, nonchalantly.

For weeks I was both heartbroken and angry at the world. How could this happen? How could God give us such a blessing only to take it away. Although Tobias tried to understand my coldness, I am grateful he did give me the space I needed to heal. Even if it was the last thing he would have wanted. I know it was selfish of me, wrong of me… But I just couldn't deal with anything else. Just the thought of breathing was too much. The only distraction I had was work. At work, I was still me. I was able to just focus and put all my energy into work. It wasn't until how much I was missing, how much of my kids' lives I was willing to give up for the loss of another. I know nothing, nothing, can replace that baby. But that doesnt mean I can't find a way to go on. To smile again. To find the joy in my other children, future and present.

"Hey… Hey… Hey…." Caleb yells, as he parks his car right next to ours. He excitedly climbs out of the car and rushes over to my children, taking them into his arms.

"Uncle Cal." They yell.

Susan laughs, adoringly as she gets out of the car. She waves hello, while she is happy to watch the scene before us play out. Caleb is going to make a great father one day, no doubt about that. For their anniversary over the summer, Caleb finally proposed to Susan over a moonlight walk on the beach. Susan of course happily accepted. Although we have all agreed to not try and mix in with her parents, she totally understands the reason why. We have all sworn up and down that she must have fallen from the sky when it comes to her family. How different she is from them.

"There's my babies!" My mother calls out from the front door. She rushes out, shutting her coat more closed as she rushes towards us. Her arms open wide, letting her coat fall open again. But she doesn't care, she rushes towards Caleb and my kids, circling them in her arms. Tobias comes to stand beside me and Susan, holding our bags as we all stare off at my mother and brother circling our kids. I take the moment in, thinking about how last year we were so close to throwing in the towel, giving in to stupidity.

"Can I help with anything mom?" I ask, coming into the kitchen with Susan right behind me. The smell of turkey threatened to make me sick and make another run to the bathroom again. I take a deep breath, reminding myself of the big surprise Tobias and I have for everyone tonight. Another reason to be thankful. We wanted to wait until we were sure and until no one else's hearts would be broken but our own.

"Umm… You can peel and mash the sweet potatoes." Mom points towards the large orange potatoes. I nod my head, not trusting to open my mouth as I move towards them. "But be careful they just finished coming out of the oven." I pick up a knife carefully and get to work, slicing the potatoes in half and scooping out the insides. I glance up quickly, noticing how quiet the kitchen has gotten… Too quiet for preparing dinner. There are two sets of eyes staring in shock right at me. I glance down at myself, making sure I have in fact all my clothes on and nothing out of place, no stains from the kids….

"What?" I finally burst out wanting to know why they were staring at me. My mother glances at Susan who then glances at her for whatever confirmation they are needing. "What are you both looking at?" I ask again, a little calmer than before.

"Beatrice." My mother whispers. " Are you… Are you pregnant?" She asked. Susan stayed completely silent. I think about denying it, saying the word no, since the plan was to tell everyone together later on tonight at dinner, together. But my heated cheeks give me away, confirming their suspensions. I sigh, before finally nodding my head in agreement. Together they cheer, coming closer towards me with their arms wide open to receive me. I let them circle their arms around me, as I feel my insides soften.

"Oh my sweet girl…" My mother says softly, leaning back from me she cradles my face between both of her hands. "You're pregnant again!" She asks. I nod once again, as the tears fall down my face. "And… You're okay. She… He… is okay?" She asks, placing her small hands on my stomach. She freezes when she sees my true size. The size that I have been hiding behind large sweaters and jackets. "How far along are you?" She asks.

"Twelve weeks, tomorrow." I whisper. "And yes, so far the baby is fine," I say, deciding to leave the other secret, a real surprise for later.

I smile appropriately at Tobias as he pulls my chair out for me. I glance at our happy children across the table. My family all joins us, sitting in their normal seats already for this special dinner. I smell the scents deeply, registering so many layers of flavors before me. The mashed potatoes, the sweet potatoes, cinnamon and nutmeg, the Ham and the Turkey…. My stomach finally rumbles. My hand instantly covers my small baby bump, rubbing soothingly. Tobias glances down questioningly to my rubbing hand.

"We are starving. " I answer his unspoken question. He nods understandably, smiling proudly. He wraps his right arm around my shoulders. I feel comforted looking around the growing table. Next year there will be two more seats added and God willing, many more in the future.

My father holds out both of his hands for Caleb and Tobias to take. We all join in, holding one another's hands. Susan being on my right.

"I'm thankful for my two Angels… And their special additions to this family. Being surrounded by you all makes my life whole." My mother says, glancing at Susan beside me to continue the line of what we are more thankful for….

"I'm thankful for a normal and loving family… And Caleb, my future husband." She announces. She glances at me, waiting for me to take my turn.

"I'm thankful for…. Second chances." I simply say, letting my words hit the air. I glance around the table, waiting for someone to ask me just what do I mean by that.

"Well of course you are…. You and Tobias have come such a long way." My father chimes in.

"Yes, but no… Not just that." I begin, I glance at Tobias whose smile is wider than ever.

"I don't understand, what else is there?" He asks, completely clueless.

"I think she is trying to tell you something, dear." My mother says, trying to help. Tobias signals for me to say the words together, we both turn holding our hands in the air screaming out "We're pregnant!"

The table roars with cheers, as they congratulate us both. Little do they know, we aren't done.

"WITH TWINS!" We both scream out, surprise and shock echoing the room. The kids scream out along with the others, probably just to feel included, not really understanding that we are adding two more babies to the family. Tobias leans in slowly, whispering in my ear as the room continues to beam with happiness.

"Happy Thanksgiving, baby." He says.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Tobias." I say, reaching up for a gentle kiss.

A loving and adoring husband, two perfect parents, a brother and soon to be sister in-law…. Two wonderful kids and two more on the way…. My heart is so full and thankful!

A/N

There were a few of you that requested this year's Thanksgiving one-shot to be added to this story….. I hope it was all that you were expecting and more.

Next week

We will be back to finish up A second chance at Love before we begin our special Christmas story in December.

Readers: Please join me in thanking FDFobsessed, who advocates for each one of your wants and needs when it comes to these stories. These past few years have been insane, she keeps me grounded and focused. I know these stories wouldn't be anything close to what they are without her.

Thank you FDFobsessed, Love you girl.

Like always, happy reading, be safe and stay healthy and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Trini