Page 57 of Rex

“I’m going to put a pot of coffee on. I should call Beau and Lacey and let them know we’re bringing a surprise.”

“Surprise would be an understatement. Remember Jenna’s reaction when she got in last night?”

Rex laughed as he stood from the chair. “I think that’s the first time she’s ever been speechless.”

Continuing to snuggle Emily, Monica sighed contentedly. “Did you get hold of Lucas?”

“Yes. He couldn’t get here on that short of notice, but I’ll tell him all the details tonight.” He gave Monica’s shoulders a quick squeeze and dusted a kiss on her cheek before going inside.

Monica came in soon after, handing off Emily as she hurriedly prepared the sides she had promised to bring for dinner. They put Emily in her swing, and Stella watched her while they got ready. Before they left, Rex went to his truck and followed the instructions on the printed sticker to switch the car seat base from Monica’s car to his truck. When he went inside, Monica had the table covered with baby gear, a dismayed look on her face.

“I’m not sure what I should take.” She laughed nervously and swept her arm over the pile.

Together, they made a reasonable decision of what seemed to be excess until, finally, everything fit in a diaper bag. Stella checked the bag at their request and confirmed they’d made wise choices.

Shortly after noon, they were on their way, proud of themselves for only running only a few minutes late. Leaving the house with a baby took a great deal more effort and time, he learned.

Beau greeted them at Lacey’s door when they arrived. “Glad you decided to show up.”

“We’re ready to sit.” Lacey joined her husband Tom in greeting them.

Not until Rex walked through the door, did anyone notice that Monica held a baby carrier, or if they did, they didn’t say anything.

Raising his eyebrows, Beau shot an inquisitive glance his way, but Rex remained silent. They went to the dining room where Lacey, Tom, Jenna, and Mom sat around the table with the key elements of Thanksgiving dinner spread down the middle.

A knock sounded at the door. Since he was still standing, Rex offered to get it. He opened the front door and broke out in a huge grin when he saw Lucas. “I thought your leave wasn’t approved?”

“I wanted to surprise everyone, and Mom hinted I might try my best to be here.”

“Come see everyone. Monica and I have an announcement to make.” He urged his brother into the house.

“Wait, there’s someone else here. I ran into them at the airport.” Lucas’s smile that always came out when he had a secret appeared. “Where’s Monica?”

“In the dining room. Why?”

Ron and Jane poked their heads around the corner of the deck. “Surprise.”

“How? What?” He threw his arms around Jane while calling for Monica to come see, then shook hands to greet Ron.

“You didn’t think we’d miss this, did you?” Jane teared up when Monica stepped out of the house.

“Mom! Dad! How’d you get a flight?” Monica choked back her own tears.

“It required a few layovers, but we made it. Stella arranged for Lucas to bring us from the airport when all the rental cars were taken.” Ron tipped his chin to Lucas. “Thanks again.”

“My honor.”

The small group made their way to the dining room. Once everyone greeted Lucas, Ron, and Jane, and showered them with love, Rex caught Monica’s eye.

She set the carrier down, and Rex bent down to unbuckle Emily. He lifted her and held her proudly for the small group to see. Monica wrapped her arm around his waist in a show of solidarity.

“Everyone, I would like you to meet Emily. She is Monica’s niece, Monday night she was placed in our care, to raise as our own daughter. I hope you will all welcome her into our family.”

Gasps and exclamations spread through the room. At the barrage of questions, Monica and Rex asked everyone to sit down and together they told the events leading up to Emily living with them. Everyone asked questions, some of which there were no answers for.

Rex cleared his throat. “We’d also like to invite each of you to our wedding, which will occur in Mom’s backyard following dinner and clean up.”

Another round of exclamations circled the room.

Stella stood and clinked a spoon against her glass. “We’ve each said how we have so much to be thankful for this year. Let’s go around the table and each share those specific blessings.”

Everyone murmured in agreement. The entire Fontenot and Hughes family joined hands around the table as they shared their heartfelt appreciation for the love found and renewed this year, for the babies born and unborn, for the love of a family who supported each other through the thick and thin, and faith in a God who would sustain them in all situations.