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He got to work peeling his potatoes and then without a word, he took the peeler out of Claire’s hand and traded her.

Claire glanced at him curiously.

“You had the dull one.” Emily smiled to herself. “He gave you the good peeler.” She said it like it was extremely important.

“So?”

“He never gives anybody the good peeler.”

Claire looked down.

“Just saying.” She grinned. “Seriously,” she continued, “I’ve never seen him this happy.”

Claire smiled.

She was glad to be the reason he was happy.

He was certainly the reason she was so happy.

Soon after, all the sweet potatoes and regular potatoes were peeled. Emily started on her cranberry sauce and Noah made the mashed potatoes. Claire assisted Maggie with her various dishes.

Noah came up and hugged Claire from behind. He whispered in her ear, “The secret is an ungodly amount of butter.”

Claire giggled and instinctively leaned back into him.

He turned to his mom. “I need Claire for the pie.”

Maggie nodded. “Go,” she told her.

Claire and Noah got to work making the pie. They were rolling dough when flour got on Claire’s face.

Without a word, Noah brushed it off her cheek.

She flicked flour onto his shirt.

Maggie glanced over at them. “You guys are children,” she said with a smile.

Biscuit had gone outside to supervise Will and the turkey. Ainsley was asking to help again. Everyone else was telling her no.

“She can help us,” Claire offered. Ainsley’s face lit up.

They let her crack the eggs, which was a huge disaster. There were eggshells and flour everywhere by the time they got the pie in the oven.

“Turkey is ready!” Will announced, setting it down in the kitchen. The last of the side dishes, the rolls, and the pie had just come out of the oven. The table was set.

Suddenly the kitchen was crazy. Everyone talking over each other, moving around, and making plates.

Once everyone had made a plate and sat down, Will blessed the food.

“Claire, every year we go around the table and say one thing we’re thankful for. I’ll start,” Maggie told her. “I’m thankful that Claire was able to join us this year.”

Claire smiled.

“My turn,” Will announced. “I’m grateful for the prospect of another grandkid on the horizon.”

Claire quit chewing mid-bite. Noah spat out his tea. “Dad!”

Maggie gave Will a pointed look, though she was laughing.