Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and friends celebrating today!

Wonderfully Normal
Thanksgiving Marathon part 4

Steve stood at the island, chopping vegetables as Catherine moved around the kitchen, removing casserole dishes of cooked food from the oven while placing those to be heated in their place.

"We're finished with the banner, Mommy," Angie said as she rushed into the kitchen. "Can we put it over the buffet table?"

"Definitely," Catherine agreed, reaching for a dish towel. "Uncle Danno's outside, let him help you hang it up."

The words hardly left her mother's lips and Angie was darting for the deck, calling, "Uncle Danno, I need you to help me!"

DJ came through the door smiling even as his sister ran past him. "Me and Grandpa got the outside table all set up. What can I do to help in here?"

"You can start filling the coolers with ice and putting the drinks in them," Steve said, "Get Joanie to help you and fill three coolers."

"On it, Dad," he replied and started back out to the deck. At the door he turned and grinned. "I love Thanksgiving."

"So do we," Steve agreed, knowing his son's statement had more than one meaning. "Favorite holiday ever."

From her seat at the kitchen table where she was busy lining baskets with napkins so they'd be ready for rolls, Mary smiled softly. She caught Steve's eyes and he smiled back.

No words were exchanged.

There was no need.

Both of them were reveling in just how wonderfully normal this all felt.

It was still special of course. Every holiday spent together as a family was. But both of the siblings could remember when events like this also felt new and tenuous. Like they might be a one-time occurrence. Both had been let down and disappointed so many times in their early lives that it was hard to believe that this kind of amazing experience wouldn't be snatched away as well.

But now, after so many holidays together and as their large circle of family and friends continued to grow, it all felt wonderfully normal.

"I need a piece of cheese," Danny's voice rang out as he strolled into the kitchen, a football tucked under his arm. "Protein before the game. I hope you're ready for some serious competition this year. I've been practicing my touchdown dance."

"Touchdown dance?" Steve smirked. "You mean the one where you do the dance of regret?"

Danny glared, but there was laughter in his eyes. "Just you wait. I'm going to show you how it's done."

Steve said, shaking his head, "I can't wait to see that."

Catherine snorted as she stirred a pot. "Maybe you should take this outside and put the cold appetizers in the deck fridge."

"Got it," Steve said with a smile. "Besides, I have our strategy all mapped out already…"

Danny looked around furtively then grabbed John's elbow and led him to a quiet corner of the deck. "I really need you and Carrie on my team this year. I've come up with the perfect game plan but I need you two to help me execute it."

John chuckled. "How is this year's perfect game plan different than last years?"

"Last year I concentrated on neutralizing Steve," Danny said. "That was a fool's errand. He can't be neutralized." He pulled several sheets of paper out his pocket with plays carefully mapped out on them. "We need to concentrate on taking away all his playmakers. If he has no one to pass to, or hand the ball off to…that's our opening."

John looked incredulous. "You think I can guard Catherine?"

"Carrie can guard Catherine," Danny said confidently. "You can take care of Cody."

"He's half my age," John said.

"Don't worry about that." Danny waved him off. "After all these years I finally know exactly what moves Steve is gonna make and when. I know his game plan as well as he does. We'll be ready. We can't lose."

Steve came out onto the deck and smiled when he saw Danny clearly trying to persuade John of something. He figured it was the perfect time to throw a wrench into the plan he was sure Danny had spent weeks crafting.

"You know I was thinking," he said with a casual tone. "This might be the year to let Cody take a turn at quarterback."

John barked a laugh as Danny's chin dropped to his chest and he tore the papers into tiny pieces and muttered, "He can't ever let me win."

The door swung open and the boisterous chatter of the Allen family, fronted by Jacob, filled the living room. Cody stepped in next, his arms loaded with boxes of hot food, Jess right behind him with a bright smile. "Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!"

"Happy Thanksgiving!" Angie squealed while Steve and Aaron moved to grab some of the boxes. "That's a lot of food!" She said and ran up to Kaitlyn. "Did you bring cupcakes?"

Kaitlyn bent for a hug. "Five dozen."

"So we have enough to feed the fleet," John teased and grabbed several boxes from Jenna.

"There's half a fleet here," Carrie teased, "and I wore stretchy pants, just saying."

"What do we have?" Angie asked.

"Glazed carrots, green bean casserole, and roasted brussels sprouts are in those trays," Jenna pointed to the catering tins DJ and Joan had come in to carry.

"Green bean casserole, my favorite!" DJ said, grinning. "And yours is really good, Aunt Jenna."

"There's a table set up for desserts in the kitchen," Carrie said with a grin. "There's already four kinds of cake and three pies."

"And none are minced meat, so it's a totally edible zone," John teased and she rolled her eyes.

DJ returned from placing the trays in the kitchen, and overhearing his uncle's comment, wrapped an arm around his godmother and smiled.

No words were necessary when he kissed her cheek and she responded with a hug. Both were remembering bonding over a dropped pie.

Her thinking the little boy who was so worried about a broken pie was now a happy, confident pre-teen an inch shy of her own height.

He recalled how with love, acceptance and kindness she eased his frantic worry that dropping that pie would result in anger and disappointment. Not to mention the fun she created by piling every pie available on a plate and telling him they were going to share them all.

"Love you, Aunt Carrie," was all he said as they broke the hug and he moved to head back to the kitchen. "Right back at you, kiddo," she responded, watching his lanky frame as he left the room.

"Alright, everyone," Catherine said, her eyes on Steve. "It's time to say what we're thankful for."

"Can I go first?" Angie asked eagerly, practically bouncing out of her seat.

"You should, cause you're the youngest," DJ encouraged, smiling at his sister.

Angie took a deep breath, "I'm thankful for my whole big family and our ohana and all the fun we have together! And for goats!"

Everyone chuckled, and Steve nodded.

"I'm thankful for the best family in the world," DJ followed, his voice sincere.

"I'm thankful for my whole awesome family!" Joan beamed at everyone.

"I guess I can go," Danny said, "I'm thankful for my amazing daughter," he nodded at Grace, who blew him a kiss. "And Gabby and our whole family, here and in Jersey. "

Chin cleared his throat, a grin on his face. "I'll jump in. I'm thankful for friends who become family, and family who are also friends and for every meal we share together. It's what makes life meaningful."

"I agree," Kono said, raising her glass. "I'm thankful for every moment we get to spend together, even if it's a little chaotic sometimes."

TBC thanks for reading