299 Dinner for Sabrina and her fiancé

"Do you know why Rina asked us to host a dinner with all the kids tonight?" Nathan asked Madeline reluctantly.

The last few times their kids requested a dinner gathering, it didn't end well. Both Nathan and Madeline are anxious about tonight.

Madeline was visibly troubled. "I still remember the disaster when Rina revealed how her relationship with Jack was based on blackmail and that she is dating Ashton, and Hunter and Rina got violent. Now, I don't dare make assumptions about what is coming."

Nathan could not believe that Madeline would just leave it open like this, without asking for details in advance. Madeline is not the one who can endure uncertainty, especially when it involves their kids.

"But it's something big… right, Maddy? Are you going to wait until dinner time to find out what it is? What if they fight again?"

"Let's hope that whatever it is, it does not escalate into a fight. But I agree... it must be something big. I told Hunter and Mia that dinner is half an hour earlier than planned so that we can investigate. They will be here shortly."

Nathan chuckled. He knew that his wife would find a way to extract the information before everyone gathers. He thought of something… "Why didn't you call Max and Liz to come earlier? Aren't they closer to Rina than Hunter and Mia?"

Madeline agreed. Since Ashton got out of the hospital, Max and Liz visit them often because Liz is checking on Ashton's condition, so they probably know what is the reason behind this dinner. However... "Max and Liz are closer to Rina, and that means how there is a chance for them to find out that I gave them the wrong time."

Nathan touched his nose and admired Madeline's wittiness. "You are smart."

Madeline lifted her chin proudly. "Yes, you married a smart woman…"

…

Half an hour later…

"What do you mean, you don't know?" Madeline asked Hunter in disbelief.

Hunter was confused. He was not aware that there is a secret he was supposed to dig out before coming for dinner. Hunter glanced at Mia who was equally helpless, so he decided to confront his mother. "You told us to come for dinner at six-thirty, and here we are. Why are you looking at me like I did something wrong?"

Madeline was not happy that her little plan failed. Hunter is useless, and Mia is clueless.

"Rina said that she has an announcement so… I hoped that you know something. Are you sure you don't know anything?"

"I am positive. She is staying home and taking care of Ashton." Hunter responded and added grumpily: "Even though there is nothing wrong with him. They removed the cast and he is fine."

Madeline looked at Hunter and gave up on investigating the reason behind Sabrina's request for a family dinner. "Well, at least she didn't break up with Ashton. And it seems that their relationship is real. Right?"

"Yes, Mrs. Anderson…" Mia responded. "Their relationship is definitely real. They visited his family over the weekend."

Madeline looked at Mia apologetically. "Sorry, my dear. We are usually not like this… nosy…"

Nathan cleared his throat at this comment, but Madeline ignored him. She continued explaining to Mia: "You see… we were hoping that Rina will come and tell us that she is getting married, and it turned out how that whole thing with Jackson was a lie. Our kids are at an age where they should think about settling down and having their own family, and breakup and starting over is difficult…"

Mia was not sure how to respond to this because she is a part of the 'settling down and having a family'.

Mia and Hunter visited her home, but they didn't talk about the wedding. Mia sometimes wonders if Hunter changed his mind. After all the mess Keith caused, Hunter and Mia ended up hurt, and Mia would not blame Hunter if he is having second thoughts about marrying her. But she is afraid to ask.

Max and Liz arrived one minute before Ashton and Sabrina.

Madeline saw that Ashton is holding onto a gift bag, and she assumed that it's something that Ashton's parents sent. Madeline felt bad. Ashton's parents are nice, and they sent something, and Madeline didn't prepare anything for them when Sabrina went to visit them in Idaho. Did that leave a bad impression? Ah, she is overthinking it again!

They all gathered in the living room.

"Mom, dad… this is for you. From us." Sabrina said while offering the gift bag to Madeline.

"What's the occasion?" Madeline asked with surprise obvious on her face. She thought that it's something from Ashton's parents, but it turned out that this is from Sabrina and Ashton.

Sabrina and Ashton smiled and held hands while looking at Madeline who pulled a rectangle box out of the bag.

Nathan observed with curiosity while Madeline unpacked the present and then they saw a note: "I look forward to meeting you in April!"

Sabrina giggled while examining Madeline's and Nathan's expressions: confusion, curiosity, more confusion…

Madeline froze when she opened the box and saw a framed photo of an ultrasound. A few seconds later, her eyes widened in slow motion until they formed almost full circles.

"You are…?" Madeline asked Sabrina in disbelief.

Nathan was looking at the ultrasound photo and trying to understand what it means.

Mia and Hunter approached them, to see what is so baffling in that box.

Sabrina leaned on Ashton and responded to Madeline's question: "If all goes well, in April, you will be grandparents."

Sabrina was so focused on her parents that she didn't notice Hunter's reaction. His mouth was open, and it was comical.

"Congratulations!" Mia exclaimed when she hugged Sabrina and Ashton at the same time.

It took several seconds for this information to sink in and everyone to react. And then the room became noisy.

Max and Liz stood on the side and smiled. They knew already so they didn't want to interrupt the moment for the others.

Madeline leaned on Nathan and breathed heavily.

"Are you OK?" Nathan asked.

Madeline looked like she is about to pass out.

"I will be… give me a minute… actually, pinch me. Is this really happening? Or am I dreaming? Is our oldest child about to have a baby?"

Everyone laughed.

Sabrina announced that they are engaged, and she was happy that Hunter didn't cause a fuss. It seems that he accepted the fact that Ashton is with Sabrina.

After a few minutes of people talking over each other, the clamor quieted down, and they moved to the dining room where the future grandparents asked Sabrina and Ashton about their plans.

"Did you think what kind of a wedding you want?" Madeline asked.

If it's up to Madeline, she would throw a big wedding with hundreds of guests where Sabrina is the princess in a massive gown, but she knows that Sabrina usually keeps a low profile (compared to the status which comes with the last name Anderson).

Just as Madeline suspected, Sabrina wanted something low-key. "Family and a few friends. I would like it to be intimate and cozy, with people who care about us and wish us well. As for the location, I'm not sure. Maybe we rent a place."

Sabrina was thinking about possibilities. Beach, lake, forest… but all beautiful places that came to her mind were somehow related to Jackson and for her wedding with Ashton, she wants a place which is not tainted with Jackson's presence.

No matter what Sabrina wants, she also knows that she is an Anderson, and it comes with responsibility. "We can have another party where we can invite many people. Friends, family, business partners, and others who are expected to attend. Something like an after-marriage party. Ashton and I can dress up and say our vows…" Sabrina turned to Ashton and looked at him dreamily. "I don't mind promising my lifetime to Ashton a hundred times if needed."

"I vote for that!" Hunter chimed in. "Then, we will have two cakes, and two feasts!"

Nathan waved his hand, signaling to Hunter to calm down. "Rina, don't worry about us or what society expects. That is your special day. Do whatever you want, and let us know if we can help."

"You are welcome to do it here." Madeline offered. "Our garden and lower floor are at your disposal. Instead of spending money on renting another place, use that money for your honeymoon, or for decorating the nursery."

Nathan nodded in approval of that idea. "And if you are doing it here, it will be private because we are not going to leak the news to the press that an Anderson is getting married…"

"Thank you." Sabrina responded. "We will think about it."

The rest of the evening passed in a good mood and with great food.

Hunter officially challenged Max to the 'Best Uncle' competition, even though they are not sure what that means. They agreed to come up with the rules later.

Liz burst into a laugh when she remembered that Max mentioned him being the best Uncle. The more time she spends with them, the more she finds out how Max and Hunter have a lot in common.

Nathan asked Sabrina about their housing situation. "Now that you are starting a family, will you stay in that apartment, or…?"

"You are welcome to move in with us. We have plenty of rooms!" Madeline said enthusiastically.

Nathan looked at Madeline with disapproval, silently telling her to drop the topic. Why would they move in with them?

Nathan spoke to Sabrina and Ashton: "If you have an idea what you want, I can help you find homes to tour. I have friends who are in real estate and they can show us listings before they hit the market. Think about the location, number of rooms, and any specific features you might need, and let the professionals find matches for you.�� Nathan didn't say that when they pick a house, he will pay for it. It will be a perfect wedding present. 

Sabrina glanced at Ashton. They mentioned moving to a house, but later. Also, moving in with her parents will be too much. Madeline means well, but Sabrina is used to her space and so is Ashton. The two of them are still adjusting to living as a couple and moving in with in-laws would definitely be a problem for Ashton.

Sabrina smiled at her parents gratefully. "For now, we will stay in the apartment. Until the baby is born and starts walking, our balcony is all the outdoor space we need…"

Ashton could not prevent comparing his parents to Sabrina's. Madeline and Nathan are giving ideas and offering help, but they are not intrusive. And Ashton's parents are... overbearing. Ashton knows that his parents mean well, but if he strays from what they expect, it's a problem. Ashton thought how that is normal until he came to Seattle and saw how others live. At the same time, he experienced the freedom of making his own choices, and he is aware that he can never go back to the Grant Farm (unless it's a short visit). But now, he has Sabrina and they will get married and have a baby. How surreal.

Ashton and Sabrina enjoyed the fact that the Anderson family (Mia and Liz included) accepted the engagement and the baby news well. They are definitely supportive, which is a great start.

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