Amelia shot up in bed, thoughts of fear and worry suddenly flooding in. It was Thanksgiving morning, the day she’s been dreading for weeks, and she was going to her mom’s house with Owen. Her whole family and Owen. She panicked they would make him feel insecure and pressured into God knows what by their constant reminder of judgement. She loved her sisters but they are a little overwhelming at first with their loud chatter and wide eyes. Later this evening, when they go to the Hunt’s house, Nathan will be joining them. Amelia really pushed Owen to let him back in, to forgive him for his mistakes. After all, they used to be like brothers.
“Good morning,” Owen kissed her bare shoulder. “What are you thinking about so intently?”
“You.” Every time she flashed that grin of hers, it feels like the first time he saw it, or maybe, that feeling never left him. She had that affect on people; when she walked into a room everyone’s heads turned towards her. She held a confidence in her step and her eyes told stories of pain, regret, sorrow, vulnerability, laughter, optimism, and his favorite, love. He returned a smile and kissed her lips softly.
“What time do we need to get going? Also, I called the realtor last night and we can view a few houses next weekend.”
“Okay, that’s great. And in the next hour or so would be best. They hate when I’m late, which is always.”
“Mmm, an hour is plenty of time,” he pulled her back and rolled on top of her, attacking her with kisses. Her laughter filling him with love.
“Owen, it’s nice to finally meet you! Amelia has told us all so much about you!” Nancy exclaimed while hugging him and kissing his cheek.
“Not all good things though,” Kate added on while her and Nancy laughed. Amelia gave them a dirty look, her face turning bright red. Owen decided to go along with it. Kate’s voice had carried into the kitchen and drew Amelia’s other sister, Lizzie, into the living room. The screams of kids and indistinct yelling came from the backyard, making Amelia more anxious.
“Well, it’s about time we meet our baby sister’s man!” She hugged Owen and he was drawn back by all of their comforting manners.
“Haha, yeah. It’s so nice to meet all of you, as well. I’ve heard some stories from Amelia,” he chuckled. They all looked at each other, their body language having its own conversation.
“Oh, I’m sure she left out a few,” Nancy said eying Amelia making her shake her head.
“Amy, sweetheart, have you told Owen about that sex tape you made in high school?” Lizzie asked. Owen’s eyes grew big and he turned his attention to his fiancé. Amelia felt the heat coming off her cheeks, and for the first time she was at a loss for words.
“Hmm, no she has not,” Owen became interested in learning more about this movie she had starred in.
“I’m sure she can go on and on about, what’s that boy’s name she kept screaming, Roger?” Nancy asked her sisters.
“Can we just shut up?” Amelia sighed.
“Roger, yes. He seemed to know his way around,” Lizzie chimed.
“Okay, enough! Owen!” Amelia grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the kitchen. “We’re going to meet my mom, and getting away from you all,” she pointed at all three of her sisters who were all basking in the glory of making fun of their little sister. “Bitches,” Amelia mumbled under her breath.
“Amy! My baby, come give your mama a kiss,” Carolyn wrapped her daughter in a bear hug and kissed her on the forehead.
“Oh, and this must be Owen! You’re even more handsome and built than Amy had explained,” she gave Owen a hug. “It’s great meeting the man my daughter loves!” Owen’s gaze met Amelia’s when her mom said love. Her eyes just smiled at him. “Now, tell me how you two fell in love. I want every detail, even the painful ones. Amy tends to leave out the big, important parts when she calls.”
“Mom, is that really necessary?”
“Of course it is, sweety! I know you have both hurt each other and I want to know why! It’s my job to keep you both in line.”
“It’s really more personal than that. For both of us,” Carolyn studied her words and facial expressions carefully. She was quiet for a minute.
“Amy, did you start…are you still sober?” A wave of sadness washed over her mom’s face. When Amelia didn’t answer right away, Carolyn hugged her again.
“I am sober now, Mom,” Carolyn stepped back and cupped her face. “Just…I drank. For awhile. I didn’t take drugs but I’m sober again. 189 days,” tears were swelling in Amelia’s eyes making her mother cry. Owen took a step back, letting them have their space. His heart was wrenching.
“Why didn’t you tell me when we talked? I would’ve been there to help you in a heartbeat.”
“I know, I know,” Amelia said wiping her tears. “I just didn’t want to be the burden that I always am. You’re always looking out for me, especially when it comes to my addiction. And besides, I had Owen helping me,” she said stepping back and grabbing his hand. “It was just everything with Derek hitting me again, and other things,“ she glanced at Owen. “I just wasn’t in a good place then, but I am now, Mom. I really am,” Carolyn hugged her again, even tighter.
"Well, you should’ve called me, Amelia. And, Owen, thank you for being there for my baby daughter,“ she let go of Amelia and gave Owen a kiss on the cheek
"Oh, of course. I would do anything for Amelia,” he smiled relieving all the tension between them. Amelia squeezed his hand, undoubtedly she fell more in love with him.
"I say we get this day going and set the table. Nancy, Izzie, Kate, get the kids! We’re about to eat!“ Carolyn yelled through the doorway.
"What can I do to help?” Owen asked.
"You two can get all the plates and silverware from the cabinet, and set the table,“ they both nodded and Owen followed Amelia to the glass cabinet in the dining room.
"Your mom is really nice."
"Yeah, she’s great. She really likes you, I can tell,” she revealed a soft smile.
“And your sisters, wow. Oh, also, I’d like to hear more about this…movie you were in."
"Owen! Shut up!” She playfully whacked his shoulder. Carolyn stopped in the doorway, watching them. Her heart swelled with joy at the sight of her daughter happy.
"Maybe you can show me exactly what you did,“ he pulled her in and whispered into her ear. "I can show you more of the way I move, too.”
"I’m going to kill you,“ Owen laughed while Amelia stated setting the place mats down.
"Hey, maybe instead of being a lazy bum you can actually help me.”
"Yes, m'aam.“ Amelia rolled her eyes, giggling to herself.
The brunch went smoothly, except for when one of Nancy’s kids hit Owen in the face with a football. Owen hasn’t laughed that hard in awhile, though. It felt good for his stomach to ache from all of the jokes he was told. Before they left, Carolyn pulled them both aside in private.
“You two…You two make me believe in true love again. You make me so happy, and I can tell you make each other happy. Hold onto that,” she shared her insight with them both before they left. Amelia and Owen walked out holding hands, laughing as they reveled in the memories they had made today.
"Hey, Mom, you’ve met Amelia before remember?” Owen asked when they walked into his childhood home.
"Of course, dear, how can I forget that beautiful face from the hospital? Come here you two!“ Evelyn hugged both of them. "Nathan is out back with John. I have pumpkin and apple pie cooling down for you guys. I know you just came from eating.”
"Thank you, Mrs. Hunt,“ Amelia rubbed her shoulder.
"Hey, guys. How was your place?” Nathan asked Amelia.
"Oh, it was very interesting. Learned a lot that she has never told me. Isn’t that right, Amelia?“ Owen winked at her.
"Oh, like what?” Nathan said curiously.
"Nothing! Just some silly childhood stories!“ Amelia’s voice hung awkwardly at the end.
"Oh, silly ones for sure,” Owen agreed.
"Hmm, you two have a different language I do not speak. The games on if you want to kick back and have a beer,“ Owen cleared his throat. "Shit, no beer. Never mind. We have water and soda?”
"I’ll take a water, please,“ Amelia said trying to keep herself steady. She didn’t think, at this point, beer would phase her, but she didn’t exactly want Owen drinking it while with her again.
"You want a water, Owen?"
"Uh, no, I’ll take a Coke. Thank you,” Owen replied trying to keep his temper down.
"Okay, I’ll meet you guys in the living room.“
“Sorry about that,” Owen kissed Amelia’s forehead.
“No, it’s fine. Really. So, who’s playing?” She changed the subject quickly.
“Dallas Cowboys and the Seahawks. It should be a good game,” he said while they walked into the living room.
“Where are the Seahawks from?” She didn’t know one thing about football. Owen thought she was joking until he realized she was serious. “What? I don’t watch football. I don’t think I’ve ever really watched except for when I was a lot younger.” He shook his head in disbelief.
“The Seahawks are from Seattle. I can’t believe you didn’t know that.” Amelia just shrugged and Nathan returned with the drinks followed by John and Evelyn. Owen slipped his arm around Amelia’s shoulder and put his feet up on the table. She leaned into him without making it too awkward for the others.
“Are you two on shift tomorrow?” Nathan asked to make conversation.
“No, we have the day off, actually,” Owen answered for both of them.
“Oh, nice. Have any plans?” Evelyn joined in. Amelia and Owen both looked at each other and broke into laughter. Nathan just shook his head. He turned to Evelyn and John.
“It’s their own language no one else can understand. It’s with their eyes or something.”
“We…we do have plans. Just a relaxing day and a nice dinner,” Owen put emphasis on the word relaxing, and winked at Amelia.
“Okay, we got it!” Nathan blurted.
At halftime, Owen and Amelia went into the kitchen and each grabbed a slice of pie; pumpkin for Amelia and apple for Owen.
“Can I have a bite?” She asked him. He scooped a big piece along with ice cream and fed it to her. Right before he reached her mouth, his hand shot straight to her nose, covering it in vanilla ice cream. “Owen!” She hit his shoulder, becoming a small habit of hers.
“You asked for a bite, I never said yes,” she rolled her eyes at his response. “Can I try yours?”
“Nope but you shouldn’t eat too much dessert right now.”
“And why is that?” Owen asked raising his eyebrow. Amelia stepped close to him and moved her mouth to his ear.
“You said you wanted to find out exactly what I did in that video I made…” she stepped back and bit her lip. She grabbed her plate and went back into the living room leaving Owen stunned.
“Where’s Owen?” Evelyn asked when she sat down.
“He’s…coming,” she said and made a joke to herself. When Owen returned, Amelia gently moved her hand to his thigh, knowing exactly what drove him crazy.
When the game was over, they all exchanged goodbyes and Amelia and Owen were on their way home.
“I’m going to get you back here in a second,” Owen proclaimed.
“Oh yeah? How are you planning on doing that?” Amelia playfully said.
The second he closed their front door behind him, he grabbed her from behind and carried her to the couch while running. She screamed and kicked her legs to try to free herself, but his grip was too tight around her waist.
“Owen! Put me down!” She squealed when he threw her down. He clasped both of her hands above her head with on arm and started tickling her with the other. “Owen! If you don’t stop…I’ll pee!” She exclaimed between breaths. He immediately let go of her and allowed space between them. She got up and took one step then quickly turned back around to jump on him.
“Haha! I got you now!” She tried to wrestle him but being less than half his size, he had the strength to overpower her.
“Nice try,” he let out while he started kissing her neck. Before he started to carry her to their bed, he looked into her eyes. They let him in to see the slightest glimpse of forever.