Lauren was especially nervous today, though she did her best to hide it. After all the times she’d hidden her true feelings from her family over the last few years, this should be easy.
Nate leaned over her shoulder to pick up the serving bowl of tossed salad he was about to carry onto the porch at the lake house. “You’ll be great, love.”
She sighed and smiled at him.
Thanksgiving Day had come so quickly, it had almost taken her by surprise. Her nightmares had receded so much that she was down to maybe one or two a month. Spending time in Nate’s protective arms had helped her to take control of her PTSD from her attacks. Yes, she knew she’d probably have them forever, but it was as her stepbrother had said—they no longer controlled her.
The door came open with a huff and there was a flurry of foot stomps to get rid of the dusting of snow outside. Sam and Tristan stood inside the door removing their coats and then handed Lorraine a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine.
Nate whistled. “Wow, I’m impressed. Two gifts. Well done, Sam.”
Tristan’s voice came out in a slight bellow. “Hey. The wine was my idea. That’s what my date last week said to bring.”
“Would she like to come?” Lauren asked. “You know we always have room for more.”
“No…” Tristan stuttered.
Sam chuckled, “Tristan can get dates, he just hasn’t figured out how to get a second one.” Tristan scowled, then stalked away from his brother to join the group in front of the football game.
Ryan Sr. came out of the kitchen with the turkey just then, setting it into the middle of the table, and they all helped carry out the rest of the feast. The porch was their largest room, so they dined there whenever the entire family was present. With three tables for all the guests, it took them a while for everyone to find their place, but once grace was finished, the large group of Grants and Ramsays and extras dug into the food with expressions of joy and anticipation.
“This looks wonderful, Lorraine,” Julia said.
Jake added, “Smells great, too.”
Mallory said, “I can’t wait to eat.”
It wasn’t long until the group quieted as everyone began to tuck into their food.
“Oh my,” Julia said.
Lauren knew exactly what she meant. Everyone followed her gaze to Tristan’s plate heaped with turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
The pleasant chiding began:
“What, no vegetables, Tristan?”
“Can you really eat all that?”
“I’ve never seen anyone eat that many mashed potatoes.”
“He’ll eat more…”
“No way!”
Tristan continued to eat, ignoring them all. The expression on his face told them all he was in his glory, enjoying every bite, and that he wouldn’t allow anyone to interfere with the pleasure he was taking in the food on his plate.
Once they finished, Tristan pushed back from the table with a smile. “That was great, Lorraine.”
“Would you like more?”
He shook his head.
The chorus immediately piped up:
“Have some more, Tristan.”
“He can’t eat any more.”
“I can’t believe he ate two platefuls.”
“He did eat something green on the second plate.”
“Won’t he get sick from eating that much?”
They all laughed and teased Tristan, but he didn’t seem to mind. If anything, he seemed to enjoy being the center of attention.
Lauren finally stood up and waited for everyone to quiet down. “I have so much to be thankful for this year. Your assistance and support are so appreciated. I’ve never been happier than I am now. I wanted to share some news that Nate and I have…”
Lorraine gasped and brought her napkin up to her mouth, her eyes misting.
Lauren pulled Nate up to stand next to her and she gazed into his eyes as she made their announcement. “Nate has asked me to marry him and I have accepted.” She pulled the ring from her pocket where she’d hidden it, sliding it onto her finger so all could see it. He’d chosen a beautiful setting, a round halo setting in white gold.
Cait squealed and jumped out of her chair, pulling Ryan with her. “I’m so excited! You two are wonderful together.”
The group broke into applause and cheers, everyone getting up out of their seats to congratulate the couple. When they finally settled back into their places, a quiet voice interrupted them.
Tristan said, “Congratulations to you, but would someone mind passing the potatoes?”
They all turned to stare at him in unison.
“What? I think I can fit a few more.”
THE END