What Lies Ahead

Chapter 45

"Happy Thanksgiving," Ezra smiles at me as I wake up Thursday morning. 

I give him a kiss, and he grins. 

"Are you excited?" he asks.

"Well, today's probably the last Thanksgiving I'll spend with my mom," I sigh, and my lip starts to quiver.

"Hey, hey," Ezra says, pulling me closer.

I know he doesn't want me to cry, but the tears start flowing anyways. 

"You're mom wouldn't want you to cry. She'd want you to have a good time with her today," Ezra says.

I look at him and he wipes my tears.

"You're right," I say.

"Now, where's your smile?" he asks.

I grunt, and he tickles my side, causing me to laugh uncontrollably. 

"There it is," he grins.

"You're the best," I smile.

"It's so weird not hearing the kids," Ezra says.

"I miss them, but it is peaceful," I smile.

"Are you ready to start cooking?" Ezra asks. 

"Ready if you're ready," I smile.

He kisses my nose, and we slowly get out of bed. 

"I'm staying in my pajamas until we get done," I say.

"I guess I will too," Ezra chuckles.

"I left Jesse a voicemail and invited him," I say.

I haven't spoken to Jesse since he pushed me, and my parents still don't know about it. I left him   a voicemail, and I'm hoping he comes tonight.

"I hope he comes," Ezra says, giving me a small hug.

"Me too," I sigh.

Many hours later, and the food is finally done. 

"I'm going to get ready," I smile.

I walk into our bedroom, slipping off my pajamas and putting together a cute Thanksgiving outfit. 

"You look adorable," Ezra grins, coming up from behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"Thank you," I blush.

I finish doing my hair and make up while Ezra gets ready himself. We hear the first knock, and I grin big. 

"Someone's here!" I smile.

"I'll set the table if you want to answer that," Ezra says.

I give him a nod and walk to the door. I open it to see Paige and I wrap her in a hug.

"How are you?" she asks.

"Great. I've missed you," I smile. 

"I know. I wish I wasn't so plastered with school," she frowns. 

She steps inside and sees Ezra.

"Hey Ezra," she smiles.

"Paige," he smiles, and he gives her a hug.

"Where are the babies?" she asks.

"Ricky is bringing them," I say.

We hear another knock on the door, and Ezra answers it this time.

"Jo, it's for you," Ezra says.

I look over to see Jesse.

"Hey," I say, walking over to him, wrapping him in a hug.