Chapter 37      

The chocolate garden seemed richer and more vibrant despite the end of the season as Sadie and the rest of her family gathered for Thanksgiving at J.P. and Tammy’s home. The children were situated at their special table decorated with the papier-mâché turkeys Jess and Haley had made at school.

Maybe it was because this was her first holiday with someone beside her—the man she was going to marry—but it struck her that everyone was sitting two by two mostly. As she looked around at her siblings and the members of her extended family, she felt a smile touch her face. Even Me-Mother was with them. Sadie’s mama had finally gone to visit her. She’d done the impossible and convinced her to join them for Thanksgiving. 

“What?” Riley asked, leaning closer.

“Everything seems so…perfect.” She put her napkin on her lap. “I’m so happy, Riley.”

“Me too,” he said, kissing her on the cheek.

They’d done a lot of talking since that day at the park. She’d also gone to one of Riley and Jess’ appointments with Dr. Kate, wanting to be as much of a help as she could. From the first appointment, she’d known Dr. Kate was a miracle worker with kids, much like her mama was with the people she counseled.

Her eyes tracked down the table to where her mama was sitting next to Dale. For so many years, Mama had been their rock. And yet their father’s abandonment had left this hole inside all of them. Now that hole was finally filled. Somehow facing down their daddy in person had given them all the closure they’d been seeking, even Paige.

This was her family now, and she was lucky to have them. J.P. had been father and brother to her, and he would be the one to take her down the aisle when she married Riley. He’d stood by her side with love her whole life, and it seemed more than fitting. It seemed right.

Paige had added the final piece of healing by being a beautiful woman and coming into their family at exactly the right time. Funny how that made her think of Riley’s superhero who wove time. Now that she and Mark and Haley had joined them, the door to the past had been completely closed for all of them.

There was peace in that.

“Before we begin our dinner, I’d love for everyone to go around the table and share what they’re grateful for,” J.P. said, standing at the head. “Mama started this tradition for us McGuinesses a long time ago, when we were having a hard time connecting with gratitude.”

Sadie remembered. Their daddy had been gone for a few years, and times had been hard. They’d had a honey-baked ham courtesy of a local food bank.

“I’ll begin,” J.P. said, taking Tammy’s hand. “I’m grateful for my beautiful wife and our children, and I know I can speak for everyone when I say I’m also grateful for Paige and her family coming into our life like they did. And for Riley and Jess making our Sadie so happy.”

That choked her up, and she could tell Riley felt it too by how red his ears turned.

“I’m grateful to John Parker,” Tammy said, “for always knowing how best to support me. And to Rory and Annabelle, for giving me such joy as their mama.”

Sadie’s mama was next. “I’m grateful for this beautiful family. We’ve grown so much these past years with so many wonderful additions. We’d be here all day if I named them all, but I especially want to say I’m grateful to Paige… She knows why. And to Lenore for joining us and helping us all come together anew. Oh, I’m tearing up.”

Was it any wonder? Me-Mother was sitting next to Dale, looking radiant in a brand new peach dress. J.P. was still hoping she’d eventually move to Dare River—that she’d let them buy her a small home of her own here—and they all planned to show her how lovely it was while she stayed with them for the holiday.

“I think everyone’s entitled to a few tears after the past few months,” Dale said. “I’m grateful for Louisa here, who does so much for so many, and to all of you… I know I don’t say much, but y’all mean the world to me.”

Sadie had to wipe at the tears streaking down her face. She leaned in to Riley.

“It’s always like this,” she whispered. “We all end up crying.”

He looked a little alarmed, but rubbed her back in comfort.

“I’m more than grateful to be here with y’all,” Me-Mother said. “I feel blessed beyond words. Thank you, each of you, for welcoming this old woman with open arms. You’re a treasure to me.” Her lip quivered and then she waved a hand like she was finished.

“I guess I’m next,” Susannah said, sniffing. “I’m grateful for my wonderful husband, Jake. And for the baby we’re going to have this May.”

“That tops my list,” Jake said, “along with my beautiful wife here.”

Everyone stood up, exclaiming, and started to form a line to hug the happy couple. 

“Oh, this is such good news,” Sadie told Riley. She remembered how afraid Jake had been to have children, given his recovery from PTSD. He’d worked hard to overcome it, and now they were going to have the family they’d always wanted.

When they were all back in their chairs, Amelia Ann made a show of dabbing a napkin under her eyes. “Are we going to get through this? Well, I’m grateful for my husband here, and for all the people I can help using the law.”

Amelia Ann hadn’t picked up the new comic series, which hadn’t yet gone on sale, but Sadie thought she was a lot like Nathaniel Gray, something she’d told Riley.

“I’m grateful for this woman here,” Clayton said, “and for the heart she puts into everything she does.”

“I didn’t hear you say you’re grateful to me for being your boss,” Rye joked.

Clayton rolled his eyes. “Like being your manager is any picnic. Mama?”

Georgia was up from Florida, visiting for the holiday. “I can say I was rarely grateful while I was Rye’s manager, but that was when he ran wild. Good to see you settling down, son.”

Sadie had to laugh. Only Georgia could get away with calling Rye ‘son.’

“I’m grateful to see the man my boy has become. Your daddy would be so proud. And for Amelia Ann. You’re the perfect partner for Clayton, and I don’t worry about him none now.”

“How nice,” Amelia Ann said, lifting her wine glass. “Cheers to me. Shelby, you’re next.”

Sadie’s middle sister sat back in her chair and patted Vander’s knee. “I’m grateful for hot stuff here.”

“Nice,” he said, shaking his head and laughing. “Classy.”

“We need some levity,” Shelby said. “And for all of my family, old and new. I love y’all.”

Vander handed her his napkin so she could dry the tears leaking from her eyes. “I never imagined having a family like this. I’m grateful. That’s all.”

“Succinct and to the point,” Shelby said, teasing him. “He’s so cute when he gets emotional.”

“Don’t make me—”

“Promises, promises,” Shelby said, interrupting.

“It’s Hampton’s turn,” J.P. said, clearly wanting to move things along.

The older man looked around the room, taking his time. “It’s been said, but it bears saying again. I’d like to say how thankful I am for this family. We had a lot of holiday celebrations when our children were growing up, but we were missing something. I’m glad we’ve finally found it. And to my wife here… We went through a lot. I’m glad we found a way to be happy together. It’s a good feeling. And to all my grandkids… I love y’all to pieces.”

“Me too, Grandpa,” Annabelle cried out. “Will everyone go faster? I’m hungry.”

“Annabelle,” Rory said. “I told you to eat your snack.”

“I didn’t want a snack,” she said. “I wanted dinner.”

J.P. was laughing. “We’re almost there, honey. Margaret, it’s your turn.”

Sadie leaned forward. Rye’s mama had been a hard woman, but she’d softened tremendously, which was why she and Hampton had found their way to reconciling after a long separation. “I’m grateful for my children. I mean, our children. For them being…kind to me and showing me…there was a better way to be. Thank y’all.”

“Nicely put, Mama,” Rye said, kissing her cheek. “Sadie, why don’t you go next? I’d like to go last.”

Tory gave him a look like he was purposefully being difficult, but Rye only shrugged.

Honestly, Rye could be as difficult as he pleased if you asked Sadie, after what he’d done for her and Riley. She’d decided to make him a thank-you quilt, one redolent with all the power, charm, and kindness he now exhibited.

“Okay, I’m happy to go,” she said. “I’m especially grateful this year for my wonderful Riley and his beautiful daughter, Jess, who are my new family.”

She thought of the other children they would have, and the quilts she would make them as they progressed through their lives. She planned to show each of them what was possible and remind them of who they truly were inside. Superheroes, all of them.

“I’m also so happy and grateful Paige took my quilting class and gave us all a chance to be her family.”

“Me too!” Haley said, making everyone chuckle. “What’s so funny? I am grateful.”

“And I’m grateful for you too, Haley,” Sadie said. “And for your dad. Y’all are my new neighborhood family. We’re going to have a lot of fun living next door to each other.”

“Yes, we are,” Riley said, clearing his throat. “I guess it’s my turn. I’m grateful for Sadie, for having the biggest heart of almost anyone I know. For my daughter, Jess, whom I love so much, for Paige, whom I consider a sister, and for Haley.”

“What about me?” Mark asked with a grin.

“I’m thankful for you too, you…silly head,” Riley said, making the kids giggle. “Okay, who’s next?”

She realized how nervous he’d been when he released a big breath.

“I’ll go,” Paige said. “I’m…”

She stopped, and tears filled her eyes. Sadie wiped the ones that had started streaming down her face.

“Give me a moment,” she said, sniffing and dashing at her tears. 

“Take your time,” Mark whispered, taking her hand.

She nodded. “All of you know I didn’t grow up having Thanksgiving, and when I had my first one with Mark and his family I…I was kinda a mess. Well, I’m a mess here too, but that’s only because I’m so grateful for all of you. Sadie, thank you for coming to our door and asking me to be your sister, and to all of the rest of you—J.P., Susannah, and Shelby—I could never have imagined better siblings than you.”

J.P. had to grab a napkin, and that made Sadie smile through her own water works. 

“I’m taking a while, but I just have so much to be grateful for. Louisa, thank you too. You know why. And Me-Mother…and the rest of y’all. Oh, and Rye, for letting me have your number in my cell phone.” 

She laughed, and so did everyone else.

“I can send you an autographed poster too, if you’d like, sugar. Would look right good in your parlor,” Rye said, giving her a mischievous wink.

“Can we, Mark?” Paige asked. “And, on a more serious note, thank you to Mark. You’re the love of my life, and you taught me everything I know about how to love someone. Haley, my precious girl. Thank you for letting me be your mama. And to our little one inside me… Oh, I can’t wait to meet you.”

Sadie felt Riley lurch against her.

“I’m pregnant,” Paige whispered. “Due about the same time as Susannah.”

Sadie flew out of her chair and hugged her sister.

“Thank goodness she finally said!” Haley told Jess. “I was going crazy keeping it to myself after they told me this morning.”

More hugs were given. More tears shed. Sadie was especially touched when Paige placed Riley’s hand on her belly and said, “This is your future niece or nephew.”

He had a glazed look on his face, but it turned into a grin. “I’ll be ready with his or her superhero outfit.”

Paige nodded, and then Riley man-hugged Mark off the floor. Jess did a little dance and hugged Haley.

“Yay, you’re gonna have a brother or sister,” she said. “Finally!”

“I know!” the little girl echoed, and they hugged each other tightly.

When everyone settled back into their chairs, Mark took his wife’s hand. “I’ll be brief. Paige and Haley, I love you with all my heart. To our new family, thank you for welcoming us like you have. And to Riley and Jess—and now Sadie—you’re the best neighborhood family in the world.”

“I’m grateful for my new brother or sister, and my mama and daddy,” Haley said. “And Jess. Okay, and Riley too. And Sadie for moving in next door.”

“I’m grateful for Sadie marrying my dad soon and becoming my mama,” Jess said, looking straight at her and breaking her heart.

The little girl had embraced her completely as her new mama, and she got choked up every time she thought of it. She was going to do everything she could to live up to it.

“I’m grateful for everybody,” Annabelle said. “Rory, be quick. I’m starving.”

Her brother gave a half smile. “I’m grateful for everybody too. And our dogs.”

“Right,” Annabelle said. “Them too. Uncle Rye? You go.”

Rye settled back in his chair. “Tory’s up. I’m last.”

Tory looked down at Boone. “I’m grateful for our son, and for Rye. Most days. The rest of you guys know how much I love you. Okay, Rye, make it quick.”

“Honey, I don’t do anything quick,” he said, standing up. “I wanted to go last not only because I’m grateful for our son, but because it’s like Daddy said. We had a bunch of holidays growing up that were different than they are now. A lot of that is because of the people in this room, but most of it is because we all remembered what’s really important.”

Sadie’s eyes blurred when Rye paused and coughed to clear his throat.

“I might have been one of the most pig-headed people in this group, which is why it took me so long to get it, but I get it now. I’m grateful for a family who really loves each other and supports the best in each other. Thank y’all for remaking this family right alongside me.”

“It’s like y’all stitched it back together,” Riley whispered.

“We did indeed,” she said, hearing the reverence in his voice.

Hampton raised his wine glass. “Hear, hear.”

Everyone followed suit and raised their glasses.

“To the true meaning of family,” Rye said, clinking glasses with those around him.

Sadie and the others reached as many glasses as they could and then everyone drank to punctuate the toast.

Dinner came and went with lots of laughter and enough food to make everyone feel well fed and nourished.

Needing to walk off her meal, Sadie stood and took Riley’s hand. “How was your first Thanksgiving with us?”

“Perfect,” he said, kissing her cheek. “Sadie McGuiness, I love the heck out of you.”

Words guaranteed to curl her toes. “I love you back.”

Rye put a hand on Riley’s shoulder. “I think it’s time you and me had a bourbon.”

Her fiancé’s mouth twitched. “Ah… Right. Your new drinking partner is out of commission for a while.”

Rye nodded to Paige. “Couldn’t have happened to a better person. Another baby. We’re going to be bursting at the seams with all the babies this group will have. Of course, I’m trying to talk Tory into having another right away. Every time I mention it, she threatens to bean me with her favorite cast-iron frying pan. Come on, bubba. Let’s drink.” 

Riley gave Sadie one last look. “Come find me in twenty minutes. I have a feeling Rye can drink me under the table.”

“You bet your ass,” Rye said. “Wanna come, sugar?”

Sadie shuddered. “No thank you. I’m going to congratulate Paige again.”

Riley grinned. “It’s the best news ever. A new baby next door…” Rye led him off, and her man gave her an amused shrug before following.

Sadie headed over to her sister. “Oh, Paige,” she said. “I’m so happy for y’all.”

“I know,” Paige said. Her mascara had slightly run, but she’d never looked more beautiful to Sadie. “The news was so surprising, and yet Mark’s right—somehow it was all perfect. It was like meeting y’all and becoming part of this family opened us up to a miracle. Sadie…I owe you so much.”

“I owe you back,” she said, hugging her tight.

“You know the quilt you mentioned wanting us to make together,” Paige said, pulling away. “I’ve been doing some thinking about it.”

She’d had the idea they should collaborate on one about their family, and she’d already given thought to the color palette they might want to use. Somehow she had to find a way to use all the colors since each of the people around them represented the full spectrum of love in her life. There had to be hearts and chocolate flowers and something that represented music, obviously, or Rye would hem and haw to high heaven.

“I think we should call it the patchwork quilt of happiness,” Paige said, “and rotate it from family to family. It feels…important for everyone to have a share of it somehow.”

“I love that idea,” Sadie said, feeling her heart swell to bursting.

Paige gazed at her steadily. “I also have a suggestion for the prayer we can sew inside this quilt.”

Sadie felt tears gather in her eyes. “Tell me.”

“May our family always be happy,” Paige said, gesturing to everyone in the room.

Sadie thought about everything they’d all gone through. How Rye and his entire family had found their way back to each other better than ever. How she and her siblings had faced down their father’s abandonment and healed, and how they’d found Paige, their new sister. And how they’d welcomed in spouses and a grandmother along the way.

“I have a better idea. How about we change it slightly from a prayer to a promise? Our family will always be happy.”

A smile crested across Paige’s face. “That’s perfect!”

As Sadie looked across the expanse of the chocolate garden at all of their loved ones, young and old, current and future generations alike, she affirmed that promise in her own heart and knew it would be so.

*  *  *

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Did you know I put out another cookbook called HOME BAKED HAPPINESS? If you loved COUNTRY HEAVEN COOKBOOK, you’re going to want this one! We’re talking bread, muffins, scones, our family cinnamon rolls, etc. Is your mouth watering yet?

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Interested in becoming your own superhero? I have a highly acclaimed self-help/spiritual series called THE GODDESS GUIDES to being a woman that I’d love to share with you on topics that trip many of us women up in our quest to be our best and happiest selves. Think of the woman in Jess’ princess quilt.

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*  *  *

Dear Reader,

      Dare River has been all about reuniting families since COUNTRY HEAVEN, and we’ve gone through the beautiful reconnection of both Rye’s family and now the McGuinesses’. It’s been a beautiful journey, and this book marks the end of this incredible series, one that has changed my life and so many of yours too from all your messages. I want to thank Rye especially for being the first character to come to life for me. You’ll always be in my heart, my friend. I have a feeling you’ll manage to make another appearance in our Dare Valley series, won’t you?

      If you enjoyed this book, I would love for you to post a review since it helps more readers want to pick up this story and enjoy it themselves. When you post one, kindly let me know at ava@avamiles.com so I can personally thank you. Thank you for spreading the word!

      Are you wondering what’s next? Make sure you join my newsletter to find out. More incredible characters and books are coming…

      Once again, thank you for loving this series so much and for being part of this extended family. I wish every one of you your own patchwork quilt of happiness with those you love.

      Lots of light and blessing,

      Ava