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Chris called on Thanksgiving Day and Jo put him on speakerphone. He was spending the holiday with his nephew and his family, but wanted to be sure to talk to his “new family”. Jo could hear kids in the back ground, football on the TV, and the murmur of conversations in the background.
“How many people are there, Chris?” Jo asked.
“Well, between Nate’s own family and Candace’s relatives who came, I think we have about twenty all together. It’s pretty crazy as I’m sure you can hear.”
“Have you shared with all of them about us,” ask SeaAnna. She hadn’t wanted to ask him about his openness with his own family until now. Thanksgiving Day was such a family Day, so she felt maybe he’d broach the subject.
“Oh, SeaAnna, I should have let you know that I talked to them a long time ago. Right after I got back in town. I wasn’t sure what the reaction would be, but I can tell you that they can’t wait to meet you and Jo and Mike. I’ve told them about Susan as well, of course. Everyone’s just hoping she’ll change her mind. They want to meet her too and I’d like nothing more.”
Neither SeaAnna nor Jo knew exactly how to respond to his comment about Susan.
“I think Jo and I both were thinking about talking to her during this visit, but since we aren’t there, it won’t be as easy,” said SeaAnna. “We’re going to call her in just a bit. We’ll have to see how it goes.”
“Fair enough,” said Chris. “They’re calling me to dinner now, so you all take care, and Jo, congratulations again on the honor term nomination you texted me about. I’m proud of you.”
Once they had ended the call, SeaAnna looked at Mike and said, “He didn’t mention Christmas. I don’t know what to make of that.”
Mike looked at both SeaAnna and Jo. “I don’t think either of you should make anything of it. He’s probably not even thinking of Christmas. Most men don’t operate that way. One holiday at a time. Just be thankful. It is Thanksgiving. Think about how far you’ve both come in a short period of time. Remember last year’s Thanksgiving? We never could have imagined this. As I recall the two of you barely spoke. So, we do have plenty to be thankful for. But now I think we need to video chat with Susan. I’m hoping she managed to cook a nice dinner.”
Susan answered immediately and Jo suspected she’d had her phone right next to her, expecting their call.
“Hey Gran,” said Jo as Susan came into view.
“Hi Mom,” added SeaAnna. “Happy Thanksgiving from all of us. Wave, Mike.”
Mike dutifully waved and wished Susan well. “I’m going to relax on my recliner and watch some football, Susan. I know you girls want to talk.”
Jo noticed that her grandmother seemed a bit pale, and SeaAnna asked her if she’d lost weight.
“I guess a little,” Susan admitted. “Without you and Mike or Jo here, I’m just not cooking as much. And I’ve been walking every day on the beach, so I’m sure that’s helping.”
“Walking is good,” said Jo. “What did you have today for Thanksgiving dinner?”
“The neighbors brought me over a huge plate of food. I’ll probably eat off it for days. I missed your turkey and dressing and all, SeaAnna. “
“I know, Mom. We’re missing you too. Overwash is the one really tough thing about the island. But hey, did Jo tell you her news?”
Jo nodded. “I texted her this morning. What do you think, Gran?”
“What do I think? I think it’s marvelous, Jo. For a lot of reasons, but mostly because you’re following your dream. And if it comes to pass, it will be nice to have you that much closer.”
They talked a little longer, but there didn’t seem to be an opening to bring up the previous conversation with Chris. Susan brought up Christmas and said she was hopeful they could get together on the island.
“I thought we’d have Christmas here in Raleigh, Mom, but I’ll talk to Mike. We’ll think about it. Never had a big island Christmas,” SeaAnna said. Jo was surprised. Christmas in Raleigh was pretty much a given, so this change in attitude was amazing. So much to be thankful for.
“My break starts on the nineteenth of December, Gran. We’ll get back to you with our plans, OK?” Jo asked.
“Absolutely,” said Susan. “I do hope y’all will seriously consider coming here.”
SeaAnna and Jo nodded in agreement and blew kisses as they said goodbye.
Immediately, Jo’s ringtone began. It was Dare. She stepped into the kitchen to take the call.
“Hi Jo. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. It sucks that you couldn’t make it. Is your Gran OK?”
“We just now had a video chat with her. She’s fine. Just really disappointed. I hope you’re having a good day.”
“I am. We all ate too much. Now everyone’s half asleep watching football. But I wanted to put something out there for you and your mom and dad. You can talk about it while you’re all together. I know you always spend Christmas in Raleigh, but this year they’re doing something new at the docks right before Christmas and I thought maybe y’all could come here.”
