Holding a pie in one hand, Paige rang the doorbell to Wes’s parents’ house. Thankfully, she’d met his parents last week—though she’d unofficially met his mom at the farm—so she didn’t have those nerves to contend with. His mom had put her immediately at ease with her kindness, and his dad reminded her of Abe Lincoln with a Santa Claus personality.

Wes opened the door, dressed in a pair of casual slacks and a navy sweater. He stepped on the porch and closed the door behind him, giving them a few minutes of privacy. “I’m glad you could come.”

“Me too.” She handed him the pie. “I brought this. Mom insisted.”

“Perfect since Dad dropped our pie while bringing it in.”

Her eyes widened. “He didn’t!”

“Unfortunately, yes.” He chuckled. “Good thing you weren’t here ten minutes ago, or you would have witnessed my parents in a rare fight.” His eyes twinkled. “And by fight, I mean, Mom chiding Dad for trying to bring in everything on one trip instead of making multiple ones.”

“I can sympathize. I prefer getting it all in at once.”

Holding the pie to his side, he leaned forward and surprised her with a kiss. After he broke contact, he backed away and winked. “Sorry, but not really. I’ve been thinking about that all day.”

Giddy butterflies fluttered in her stomach. “You can do that anytime, no apology needed.”

“I like the sound of that.”

Feeling the heat of a blush creep up her neck to her cheeks, she smiled bashfully. “How did the visit go?”

“Really well until the end.”

“What happened?”

“Myla didn’t want to leave.” The corners of his mouth turned down. “She cried herself to sleep on the way home.”

Paige’s heart ripped in two for Wes’s sweet niece. “I can’t imagine how hard it is for her.”

“Me either, but when she woke up, she seemed better. We took lots of pictures of the two of them together and seeing them makes her smile.”

“How’s Jenna?”

“Like a whole new person.” His frown turned around. “I know there’s still a long road ahead, but she’s trying hard to turn her life around. In a few months, she’ll get to start vocational training so she can find a career job once she finishes the program.”

“Sounds like a tremendous facility.”

“It is. They don’t only treat the addiction, but the whole person. Jenna even shared with us about a devotion she’d read that morning.” Excitement quickened his pace of speech. “For years, she’s refused to have anything to do with God, and now she’s proactively sharing what she’s learning about him.”

“That’s a miracle from Him.” Though she ached for the pain Myla experienced, she found joy in hearing about Jenna’s recovery. She said a short, silent prayer that they’d all have a happy ending.

The door opened, and Mrs. Caldwell stuck out her head. “Happy Thanksgiving, Paige.”

“Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.”

“Dinner is on the table whenever you two are ready. Better hurry before Dad eats all the turkey. I’ve already caught him sneaking two pieces.” Mrs. Caldwell flashed a grin before returning inside.

Wes grabbed her hand. “That’s our cue.”

They went inside and founds seats at the table after Wes added the pie to the counter. Mr. Caldwell sat on the far end, Myla and Mrs. Caldwell on one side, then she and Wes on the other. Each plate had a rust-colored cloth napkin wrapped with an acorn napkin ring made from rhinestones. A table runner matching the napkins had been placed down the center of the oval heirloom table. Wes’s mom must have transferred the food from the takeout containers because each menu item had been placed in white porcelain serving bowls and trays.

Mr. Caldwell led the family in a prayer of Thanksgiving before the meal began. After the prayer, he looked at each of them. “This hasn’t been an easy year, but the Lord’s given us many things to be grateful for, and I just want to take a minute to tell each of you I’m thankful God placed you into my life.” He made eye contact with Paige. “Even though we’ve only recently met you, you’re included. You’ve been a bright spot in my son’s life during a difficult time, and that means a lot.”

Her heart filled with love for this family, and she choked out a similar sentiment to express her gratefulness for welcoming her with open arms.

“Now, it’s time to enjoy this meal so lovingly prepared by Down Home Café.” Mr. Caldwell lifted the turkey platter and served his wife.

Mrs. Caldwell took the platter from him and served Myla who then tried to serve Wes. It took her a minute to figure out if she walked to the other side of the table, she could set it next to him, then place some onto his place. Wes then served Paige, and having caught on, she served Mr. Caldwell.

They did the same with each dish, and Paige loved it. “Do you do this for every meal or only special occasions?”

“Only on our big holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.” Mrs. Caldwell smiled at her husband, her affection for him on display. “It’s a reminder we’re all together in this life and help each other when needed.”

“It’s a lovely tradition.”

“Thank you.” Mrs. Caldwell spread butter on Myla’s roll. “What traditions does your family have on Thanksgiving?”

“Before we can eat, we have to say what we’re thankful for, and it can’t be anything material like a new car or piece of jewelry.” A fond smile surfaced. “Dad enacted that rule when we were children and would always say our latest toy.”

Conversation quieted as everyone began eating. Paige ate her cornbread stuffing and turkey—two of her favorites—and struggled to eat the rest. She’d overindulged in mashed potatoes with gravy at the meal with her family, and the fullness had lingered. Thankfully Wes had the intuition to give her small portions, and she managed to clean her plate.

She helped clear the table and clean dishes, thankful Mrs. Caldwell allowed her to help.

While at the sink drying dishes, Mrs. Caldwell clarified. “Thanks for cleaning up with me. I’d never expect a guest to, but I know from experience how awkward it is to be a visitor in someone’s home and watch them clean up your mess.”

“Yes, and I’m an odd one, but I like to clean up after meals. It makes me think I’m burning the calories I ate.” She glanced down at her stuffed stomach. “Though in today’s case, I think I’d have to run a marathon.”

“I understand.” Mrs. Caldwell handed her the last plate. “And it helps make room for dessert.”

Wes came into the kitchen. “Did someone say pumpkin pie?”

“How can you even think about food?” His mom swatted him with a dishrag. “Give me an hour at least.”

“In that case, can I steal Paige for a little bit?” He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to him.

“Go ahead. I’m going to make sure your father doesn’t fall asleep in the recliner while Myla’s playing with her kiddie make-up set.”

They all enjoyed a laugh at the images that invoked. Several of Myla’s dolls now had green foreheads and cheeks.

Alone in the room, Wes stared at her. “Would you like to sit on the back porch for a little bit? It shouldn’t be too cold with the heat coming from the house.”

She nodded and accepted his hand. Once outside, they sat on the swing hanging from the rafters. Though it was dark, the porchlight offered sufficient light to see each other.

Lifting her hand, Wes kissed her knuckles. “Thanks for coming tonight. It means a lot to me.”

“I’m glad to be here.” She snuggled in close to him. “Not spending time with you at all today wouldn’t seem right.”

“I know what you mean.” He released her hand to slide an arm around her shoulders. “On the day we celebrate what we’re thankful for, it’s only right to spend time with those we love.”

His words went straight to her heart. Did that mean… She searched his eyes for an answer.

He rubbed circles on her shoulder. “Maybe it’s too soon to say, but we both know how quickly life can change, and if I never got the chance to tell you, I’d always regret it. I love you, and I can’t wait to see what our future holds.”

From the depths of her soul, Paige knew she’d found the man God meant for her and had sent her way on a fated autumn stroll. “I love you, too.”