Chapter Thirty

Cheers went up as Eli carried the turkey out of the kitchen. “You all act like you haven’t eaten in a week.”

“We’re starving.” Joanna held the back of her hand to her forehead, pretending to faint.

“You’ve been teasing them with the smell for an hour now.” Dereck walked behind him with a tray of side dishes.

“I know these people.” Shay set baskets of warm bread around. “You’re lucky they haven’t attacked.”

“Well, someone say the blessing, so I remain safe.” Eli set the bird down.

“All are welcome at this table. To those of other beliefs, pray, or not, as you will.” Margaret stood.

When all heads were bowed, she began. “Father, we give thanks for this food, prepared by loving hands. We give thanks for life, breath, freedom, and the grace to make it through each day. We thank you for how you’ve watched over the folks sitting here. Giving them health and strength, especially for the healing of Aden, Olivia, and Nick. Now, we humbly ask you to bless the food and our time together, in the name of our Lord.”

And around the table came a rousing “Amen.”

Bowls of steaming vegetables were passed around the table. Eli loaded the sliced turkey onto platters. A second one, already sliced, waited as backup in the kitchen.

“Oh no, the biscuits!” Margaret ran to the kitchen.

Aden looked at Olivia then Eli and they all broke into laughter. The others wore varying expressions of amusement and confusion. “Every year the biscuits barely make it to the table.”

“One year they didn’t.” Eli snorted. “Our pastry chef forgot about them completely and burned them to a crisp.”

“Laugh it up, boys.” Margaret returned. “You too, Olivia.” She yanked back the breadbasket and held it behind her back. “None for any of you.”

Zach snatched the basket. “Good. I’ll have theirs.”

Good-natured conversations joined with sounds of clattering silverware and clinking of glasses while everyone enjoyed the meal.

A short while later, Aden leaned back in his chair and looked at everyone sitting around the table. The Grill was closed for business that day and it was the only place they could all meet without being cramped. He couldn’t remember a better Thanksgiving.

Olivia was there with David. She sported a diamond ring on her left hand, and it caught the light, occasionally flashing a reflection.

With all the tables pushed together, everyone gathered like one big family.

Eli sat across the way, chatting up Michael.

Margaret relaxed nearby, quietly stroking Eli’s arm. She was a woman of few words but was full of so much love.

At the other end of the table sat a few boisterous young people from the staff, who had no other place to go. Mixed in with them were some of the ambulance crew members.

On the opposite end, Joanna and her husband Kyle sat with Mason and Zach.

Nick and Jenn, one of his nurses, were there, as well. When Nick got out of the hospital, he had a new perspective on life. A new girlfriend, too.

At first, Aden thought it would be awkward to have Thanksgiving with Shay’s ex, but it turned out ok.

He took a deep breath, and the smells of turkey and all the fixings infused his soul. The voice crooning through the speakers sang about the pleasures of being a simple man. Surrounded by family and friends, both old and new, a sense of fulfillment, and especially thanksgiving, warmed him.

Two arms slipped around his neck from behind. A soft whisper came into his ear. “What are you looking so fat-cat satisfied about?”

Aden reached up, using one hand to stroke Shay’s forearm, and the other to cup her head, holding her cheek to his. “I am satisfied. Not sure about the fat cat, though.”

“Mmm, nope, not a fat cat at all.” She slid her hands down his sides to his abdomen and back up.

He loved her touch on him. Taking her hands, he kissed them both.

When he released her, she came around and sat on his lap, curling into his chest, and joined him in people watching.

“It satisfies me to be surrounded by these people.” He squeezed her. “To know this is where I’m supposed to be.”

Shay hummed assent.

He kissed the top of her head. “Mostly I’m happy you’re here. In my life, and in my arms. I love you.”

****

Shay caught Joanna’s attention and winked. Anyone could see the love her best friend had for Kyle and how much he loved her. They were her family. And wow, her family had grown.

Mason and Zach were there that day as well. Mason arrived without Lisa. When Shay asked earlier where she was, Mason shook his head with regret. Lisa, he said, was tired of his inattention and flirting, no longer willing to be an afterthought, and went to her family’s for dinner. She didn’t want to see him anymore.

Zach, as always, ran solo.

A burst of laughter broke out at the table where Nick relaxed, telling stories about the craziness of patrolling on the overnight shift.

Jenn stood over him with her hands on his shoulders.

When Shay asked Aden about inviting Nick for Thanksgiving, he’d agreed. Then, Nick asked if he could bring someone, so of course they’d said yes. Jenn, the nurse from the hospital, suited him perfectly. Shay was happy for him.

“I find I am very satisfied too.” She gazed up into his brown eyes and traced her finger down his cheek. “I love you too.”

****

Olivia sat back and laid a hand on her full belly. She smiled, happier than she’d ever imagined. David was every woman’s dream come true. Loving, gentle, smart, and he had a wicked sense of humor behind his quiet facade. She was a lucky, lucky girl.

“What’s the smile about?” David rested his hand on the back of her neck.

“Just considering the day and how thankful I am.” She moaned as he massaged the muscles in her neck. “To have not only you—but look around. Only Aden and I are blood relations, but we’re all family nonetheless.”

“You and your brother are amazing.” David played with the ring on her finger. “I can’t wait to be one of you.”

“You already are.” Olivia ran her finger down his nose. “Our December wedding will only make it official.”