It's that time of year

Ellie watched the newborn sleep. She couldn't resist smiling. After all, he was the spitting image of his father, Drew. It felt good to be so genuinely happy, yet there was a little guilt that prevailed.

Her daughters wouldn't be seeing her dad during the holidays. No rushing to the airport of driving down to Oklahoma on the toll roads at a halfway point for the exchange of the girls. Her ex was busy these days and had no time, for anyone. Of course, when he did, that meant she had to drop everything. He could be quite demanding when he wanted to be.

But since she'd remarried, maybe that ended his thoughts of them ever getting back together again. He'd been more reserved these days. Of course, he was a world a way and she did have her life with Drew and the girls.

Her step-niece moved in at the beginning of the school year and it didn't look as if her father Kyle would be coming for Thanksgiving.

A part of her missed the old Kyle that she knew when she was in school. She knew it was trite, but he was first love, but she never told him. She never would. They'd become step-siblings instead and now it had come to this. Rosie was part of her family now.

"Do you think it'll be just us for the holidays, Mom?" Her oldest asked. Her hands holding tight to the crib.

Ellie nodded. It sounded so glum to hear, but she was happy. Happy they could stay in their jammies all day if they wanted too. Ellie motioned for her oldest not to talk too loud.

Thanksgiving was the last thing Ellie had on her mind, but she heard Drew downstairs. He was bringing in groceries. He shouted he'd found a sale. He'd bought the turkey and even ham.

Ellie sighed. Honestly, she wanted to go back to bed, but she could hear him conversing with the girls. They were going to make fudge this year and make care packages for those who couldn't come to Thanksgiving.

"Just two ingredients," he said. "Peanut butter and cake icing!"

She heard them cheer him on. The baby's eyes open. A little startled. She picked him up. Of course, she'd been waiting for this moment. She loved holding baby Easton.