16
Damon
Holidays always leaveme getting up earlier, especially Thanksgiving. There are so many things to prepare and the turkey takes so many hours to be cooked to perfection. If something goes wrong with the turkey, then the whole meal would be subpar.
I don’t disturb the girls at seven a.m. when I wake, but rather focus on getting the turkey basted and seasoned before sliding it into the oven to cook. I set the timer for four hours, and then I pour myself a cup of coffee and enjoy the view from the window. My neighbors across the street already have cars in their driveway. Our guests won’t be showing up until around two or three, so we have plenty of time to get everything cooked.
About an hour later, Emily comes up and wishes me a happy Thanksgiving before going into the kitchen and pouring herself a bowl of cereal and then coming back to sit with me in the living room.
“Are you excited to see my brothers?”
“Yeah, are they bringing dessert?”
“Why does that matter?”
“We forgot to get a pie. Mama and I always have pumpkin pie for dessert.”
Tessa didn’t mention that to me, and I’ve never really been a big pie fan. Guess I’ll text Liam and ask him to pick up a pumpkin pie before heading over later. I wouldn’t want to break their tradition.
She fumbles out of the bedroom, straight into the kitchen. “Turkey’s already in the oven? How long have you been awake?”
“About an hour or so. How’d you sleep?”
“Like a baby. Can’t believe I slept in that long.”
We spent the next couple of hours with the three of us on the couch watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. It’s another one of their traditions. I couldn’t believe I have never seen it before now, but when I was younger, I spent most of my Thanksgiving in the kitchen helping my mom.
After the movie is over, we all three gather in the kitchen to start preparing the sides before our guests arrive. The turkey should be done just in time for their arrival. I prepare the mashed potatoes, corn, and stuffing while they focus their energy on the cranberry sauce and green bean casserole. I make everything without any mistakes, which is just how we want it.
“I just want to take a moment to say how thankful I am for you ladies. My Thanksgiving is going to be much more special with you around.”
Emily comes in for a hug, and Tessa gives me a kiss. “We are happy to be here with you, too. Let’s hope our first holiday goes smoothly.”
The table is set, and the food is ready. All we are waiting on is Liam, Aiden, and a special surprise guest to arrive. When Tessa had suggested inviting my brothers over, my hesitancy showed. Aiden didn’t like that she has so much baggage, but then again, he isn’t the one dating her. Liam already met her and is thrilled I found someone. He won’t be the problem.
My hope for today is that nothing gets out of hand and it goes smoothly.
The doorbell rings, and Emily runs to answer the door, only to find a surprise waiting for her.
“Hey... we made it. Sorry we are a little late,” Aiden says.
“Grandma! You’re here!” Emily yells.
Tessa looks at me and runs over to find her mom standing at the front door. Tears start falling, and they don’t stop hugging for a good minute.
“How... are you? I... didn’t know you were coming...” She is beside herself.
I wanted to surprise her. Leslie and I exchanged numbers when Emily went missing, and when I heard about her saving up to get out here for Thanksgiving, I had to help out. The fact that she hasn’t seen her mom in three years killed me. What I wouldn’t give to see my mom just one more time.
“Damon flew me in. You got yourself a great guy here,” Leslie says.
Her eyes sparkle, and Emily won’t let go of Leslie. I’m so glad she said something to me about it, or else this moment would’ve never happened.
“Well, let’s get to the table and eat while the food is hot. Plenty for everyone.” I say, ushering people into the dining room.
The entire table is covered in delectable dishes, and I stand up to start carving the turkey.
“Normally, we would go around and say what we are thankful for, but today I just want to say I’m thankful for each and every one of you for being here today, and hope we are all at this table for many more holidays to come.”