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“Anyways,” Emily said calmly, “I’m grateful for this family.” She looked at Claire in a way that conveyed she was including her in that.

“I’m grateful for you, Aunt Claire,” Ainsley said. Claire reached over and squeezed her hand. “I’m grateful for you too, sweetheart.”

Will nodded toward Noah. “Your turn.”

“I’m grateful that I convinced Claire to date me.” He said it like it was funny, but everyone knew he was serious.

It was Claire’s turn. “I’m grateful for how welcoming you guys are and that you’ve made me feel like I belong. Like I’m a part of the family. And for Noah, of course.”

“You are a part of the family,” Maggie told her. Everyone else expressed their agreement.

Noah looked over at Biscuit. “What are you grateful for, buddy?”

“Arf.”

Everyone laughed.

“Noah,” Claire said, “these are seriously the best mashed potatoes ever.”

He looked proud.

“Told you!” Emily exclaimed.

The cookies were gone even faster than the pie was.

“Claire, you’re never coming to Thanksgiving again without cookies,” Emily said.

“Noted.”

“Will you make them for Christmas?” Will asked.

Noah looked at her, eyebrow raised. She smiled. “Of course.”

Apparently, she was coming to Christmas.

And, judging by Emily’s warning about the cookies, next Thanksgiving too.

She realized she couldn’t imagine holidays any other way now.

“Let’s go on a walk,” Noah whispered to her. She nodded. Noah grabbed her hand and they went outside.

They had barely made it to the road when they heard from behind them, “Wait for me!”

Ainsley came running up between them, separating their hands. She grabbed their hands in her own.

Claire giggled. Noah looked at her apologetically. It’s okay, she mouthed.

Once they returned from their walk (with Ainsley), Claire was informed it was a Carter family tradition to watch a Christmas movie after Thanksgiving dinner.

“Once the kitchen is cleaned and dishes are done, Christmas starts.” Maggie told her.

Claire liked that philosophy.

She helped Maggie and Emily clean up the kitchen, do the dishes, and put away leftovers. Maggie pointed to a Tupperware container. “For you and Noah,” she said.

One container.

For both of them.