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“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“Good, now, let’s get in there before your mom comes looking for us.”
Merry followed behind her dad and the minute she shut the door, her mom stared barking orders.
“Oh good, get a glass of something to drink. We can’t do a proper toast without something to drink.”
Holly handed her the glass of wine she’d poured earlier and Merry went to stand next to Clark and Jace. Clark took her hand in his free one and to her utter delight, Jace leaned back against her, sipping on a glass of bubbling cider.
“All right, everyone has a drink?” Her father held up a glass of amber liquid and Victoria smiled in approval. “Excellent. Now, we are going to go around the room and say what we’re grateful for.” Merry and her siblings, including Noel, groaned and their mom narrowed her eyes. “I’ll start. I’m grateful that my family is good-natured enough to go along with all of my traditions, no matter how tedious they may seem. I am grateful for my husband, although that may change depending on how his turkey turns out.” Victoria kissed Chris, sliding her arm around his waist. “I’m only kidding, darling.” She raised her glass, her eyes scanning the room warmly. “My children, who have grown into wonderful adults, for the most part. Clark, thank you and Jace for coming into our lives. And to Sam…thank you for making me laugh.”
“It’s been my pleasure, Victoria,” Sam purred, waggling his eyebrows.
“Be careful how much you charm my wife, pretty boy,” Chris deadpanned.
The adults chuckled.
“Can I go next?” Jace asked.
“Sure.” Victoria smiled fondly. “Then we’ll go around the room clockwise after you’re done.”
Jace pulled at his collared shirt, his tie having gone by the wayside. “I’m grateful my dad and I can have fun together again. In California, he worked really hard and his head hurt all the time, so he didn’t want to play as much. But since coming here, he smiles more and he wants me to be his mate again when we cook. He has the best pirate voice I’ve ever heard.”
“Jace,” Clark groaned.
“What?”
“Keep going, Jace,” Merry said, giggling. “What else are you grateful for?”
Jace looked up at his dad, his expression bewildered. “Can I?”
“Go ahead, buddy.”
“Okay. I am grateful for Victoria and Chris, all the friends I made at school. And I am glad my dad likes Merry, because she is really nice and I want her to stay with us forever. Amen.”
Tears in her eyes, Merry dropped Clark’s hand and hugged his son from behind, kissing his cheek. “Thank you, Jace.”
“It’s your turn, Clark,” Chris said. “Although I don’t know how you follow that.”
“I don’t know how I do either.” Clark cleared his throat. “This is the first Thanksgiving we’ve had where it wasn’t just the two or three of us. I’m grateful to be here today with all of you. Victoria and Chris, I can never repay you for everything you’ve done for us. You have the biggest hearts, opening your home and your family to my son and me and I see that goodness in your children.”
Merry watched her siblings smile as they listened to Clark. Merry’s arm was still around Jace, his little hand holding hers against his chest.
“Sam, I am so lucky to have you for a brother. Thanks for being there for me,” Clark said, slapping his back.
Sam gave him a one-armed hug. “Same goes, bro.”
“Merry.” Clark turned her way, his smile sweet and loving. “Getting to know you has changed my life. Thank you for giving me a second chance to make a better first impression.”
“You’re very welcome,” she murmured.
“And that’s what I’m grateful for. Cheers!” Clark took a drink from his glass and then leaned over to kiss her cheek, his arm slipping around her waist.
“Guess that means I’m up,” Sam said, holding his beer bottle in the air. “Thank you for good friends, good food, my family, and my health. Salute.”
“Salute.”
