I knew there would be a big shower closer to the delivery and hoped I’d be able to be here for that. Lake Placid wasn’t that far from New York that I couldn’t just make the drive, though it sure felt like it. I’d never even seen Kylie, and she went to college in the city.
Looking around the table at the people I loved, I wondered how much I’d missed moving away.
Jefferson talked about the progress at the lodge, complimenting me and Mom about how great the decorations looked. It was the best it had been in a few years, and I blushed as I thanked him, thinking about the kiss I shared with Ben.
We lingered over dinner, staying around the table to talk for a while as we sipped wine, or in the case of Polly, cider. I always loved being with everyone, though the family had grown smaller. I had so many memories of dinner here for Thanksgiving and Christmas with these people and those that passed.
I watched my brother and his wife sharing loving smiles as they ate, knowing how long they’d been together. They were each other’s first everything and stuck it out through high school when they got together in their first year there. Everyone could see they had feelings for one another from the beginning and once they admitted it, I could see their forever.
Now they were married with a baby on the way, and I couldn’t be more excited for them. It would brighten all our lives so much and I knew my mom was chomping at the bit to meet her grandbaby.
I helped to clear the table of the dinner dishes with the help of Mom, Leslie, and Kylie and the men washed dishes, as was the tradition. I sat in the living room sipping wine as we kept chatting, eager for dessert and the big announcement.
Once the leftovers had been separated into containers for each part of the family, we stored them in the fridge and Mom helped me get coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for everyone.
I brought out the apple tart, smiling as I set it in the center of the table. Nona also made a pumpkin pie, and, between the two desserts, there would be plenty for all of us.
“That looks beautiful, Avery. I think it’s better than any of mine,” Nona told me with a proud smile.
“I don’t know about that, Nona. I just hope you like it,” I told her as everyone reached for a plate. We all went for a slice of each on the large plates, and I looked around as Jefferson and Polly shared a smile.
“Now that we’re settled for the night, we have an announcement to make,” Jefferson told everyone as I sat up straight. He reached for Polly’s hand and squeezed as she offered him a gorgeous smile. “We had our ultrasound Monday afternoon and found out that we’re having a girl.”
The table erupted in cheers and congratulations as Mom began crying. “A baby girl. I can’t wait to meet her,” she told them, wiping at her eyes for the second time that night.
“You’re going to love it, Jefferson. There’s nothing better than a baby girl,” Craig assured him, smiling at his daughter. “It’s tough watching her go out into the world on her own at school, but I know Kylie will succeed at whatever she does. Congratulations, you two.”
“Thank you, Uncle Craig.” Jefferson smiled at him, finally looking at Nona. I felt so thankful that she was healthy and would be here to meet her great granddaughter.
“I am proud of the man you’ve become, and I know your dad would feel the same way. You two will be incredible parents,” Nona told him with a smile on her face as her blue eyes shimmered with tears.
“Thank you,” Jefferson and Polly managed to say as emotions took them both over for a moment.
We all took a moment to compose ourselves as we ate dessert. I blushed as everyone complimented me on the tart, thanking Nona for the recipe again.
“What’s the nursery theme?” Mom asked Polly as she smiled at the soon to me mom.
“We’re going with a nature theme,” Polly replied, making it obvious she had trouble holding it in. “We’re going to have a mural of the lake painted on one wall and do the rest a delicate cream color. I’ll do a lot of animals throughout the room and there will be pink, of course. I just don’t want the room bathed in pink for her. I already know that everyone’s thinking about all the pink clothes the baby will have soon.” Polly laughed, and we agreed, laughing with her. “The crib and furniture are a cream color as well. I plan to add some soft pink blankets to the bedding.”
“Will you have a registry?” Leslie asked as Polly nodded with a sigh.
“I hate asking for things, as you know from the wedding, but Jefferson insists that it’s a tradition.” She admitted as he reached over to touch her shoulder. “I am going to start something soon now that we know what the baby is.”
“It’s a fun tradition. You’ll have a great baby shower,” Nona promised them as I nodded in agreement.
We finished dessert and lingered a little longer at the table. Nona went to bed early in my room while Jefferson took a tired Polly home shortly after that. We all hugged them goodbye, and I helped Mom finish cleaning up.
I knew she’d work on her turkey noodle soup the following day after we made our big brunch. I’d brought some pajamas downstairs before anyone arrived and once everyone headed to bed, I changed into them and curled up on the couch with a blanket.
The fire still burned, and I thought back to the night I spent with Charlie as I looked at the flames. It had been one of the best nights of my life and though there hadn’t been a repeat; I knew I wouldn’t mind.
I considered the night with my family again, tucking the blanket tighter around me. They were all so happy here and settled down.
I thought I needed to run away when I turned eighteen. My dreams were powerful, and the city called my name when I found the school I planned to attend.
Though I’d applied for some jobs back in New York, I considered for a moment if that’s what I wanted from my life. I’d never considered settling down with anyone here, thinking I’d find everything I needed in New York.
Simon proved me wrong as far as that. I met Beth and adored her, but everything else had just been trying to get work after school. I had a high rent in my little apartment and that was a constant battle to make myself able to afford it and my other bills.