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“Actually, most of the Vikings weren’t Finnish. They were our neighbors and they traded with us Fenni but spoke a different language,” Jari softly interjected into the chaos.

“See, now you’ve offended our special guest,” Joy chided her husband before placing a log of cranberry on Jari’s already overflowing dish. And we’d not even gotten to the bird yet.

“I thought I was the special guest.” I frowned at Archie who giggled gleefully at my pain.

“No, you’re family. Jari is special because this is his first and probably last time dining with us,” Joy explained then dropped a log on my plate. “I couldn’t find lingonberry canned for the meal, so I hope this is acceptable?”

“Very yes, thank you. It’s all very much.”

I gave Jari’s knee a squeeze under the table.

“I never meant to insult you, Jari.” Kirby seemed stricken as he battled to get Max buckled into his seat. Woof pawed at my leg. I fed him a cooked carrot. He seemed pleased. Archie was finally seated, belted, and ready to dive in. I gave him a cooked carrot as well. He also seemed pleased. The carrot and his wild hair were the same color.

“You didn’t. It’s fine. Truly. I’m very happy to be at your table. This is nice.” Jari smiled at Joy and Kirby with sincerity. I placed my hands on the table to avoid Woof licking my fingers. “My family is… well, far away. Not close much aside from my mother. This is… thank you for having me. I look forward to eating the turkey and stuffing. Cam is very lucky to have you all in his life.” He placed his hand atop mine, right there for everyone and the dog to see—well not the dog as he was too short—but everyone else. I was shocked. I slid my hand around to rest the back on the cloth-covered table. His fingers meshed with mine.

“We’re lucky to have you in our lives as well,” Joy said then dashed a tear away with her napkin. Kirby gave our hands a glance then threw me a knowing look. He said nothing. That would come later when we were alone. I found that I welcomed it.

“Family is important,” Kirby said as I rubbed my thumb over Jari’s pulse. Calm, steady. “Welcome to the madness that is Chez Blackburn.” Jari blushed. “So, Jari,” Kirby asked as his wife began to carve the turkey. “I need ideas for my next book. Are there any uniquely Finnish ways to kill someone?”

“Kirby!” Joy gasped. “Not in front of the boys.”

“Well, you could lock someone in a sauna,” Jari offered and Kirby’s eyes lit up. “Or they could choke to death on some salmon soup or be gored by a reindeer.”

Yep, Jari had just adopted a cousin. And a new, slightly madcap family if he wanted it. He already possessed my heart.