“Oh, my...there is so much talent in your family.”
“You do wonderful things, Avery. The medical field is a tough one and you did it all by yourself. You should be proud of yourself, your father and I sure are,” Amy replies.
The food arrives and Avery eats her meal quietly, listening to the chatter around her. Even Logan is feeling more at ease, speaking freely with his best friend and his family.
Suddenly Avery feels a nudge on her arm from Logan’s elbow as he says, “Jameson asked you something.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. What did you ask?”
“How was it for you growing up? Were you adopted? Did you live in foster care?”
“Oh...um...well…” she stutters, first looking at Joseph and then at Logan.
They both nod for her to share her story. Logan takes her hand under the table and holds it in his warm loving grasp.
Avery lets out a sigh and answers, “Honestly, I lived in hell. My mother left me with my grandmother, who was so ashamed that she pretended I didn’t exist. I was born into an affluent family but was brought up as if I was a servant in the home. It wasn’t until my sister was born that I learned the truth about my family. I was taken care of by one of the servants. She treated me with more love and care than my own mother. My grandmother began abusing my sister, so when I turned eighteen I begged my grandmother to sign over her over to me. I promised to leave and I never looked back. My sister died in an accident four years ago and I miss her every day. The only good thing to come from my grandmother is the note she left in her will, giving me the address of the father that had never been mentioned in her home. She said that he had a family that would love and care for me. So, here I am.”
With her free hand, she reaches up and wipes away the tears that have escaped from her eyes.
She looks at Logan first and he whispers, “I love you,” before she turns her attention to the rest of the group.
Tears streak down the faces of her sisters, Joseph, and Amy, though Jameson continues to show spurts of anger in his features, the questioning eyes and scowl evident on his face.
“Even the second time hearing it isn’t any easier,” Joseph says gruffly.
The family all seems shaken by her background, except Jameson who seems to be studying her closely.
“It’s okay, please. Don’t feel sorry for me. If I hadn’t gone through all of that, then I wouldn’t be here today with all of you and your wonderful family.”
“You’re our family, too,” Sydney says as she envelopes Avery in her arms, the warmth of her embrace radiating through Avery’s body.
They sit around the table a bit longer exchanging a few stories, but mostly Avery relaxes with Logan and takes in all that surrounds her. It’s amazing how easily they were all able to bounce back from the news of their father having an affair and another child. But it’s easy to see and feel all the love in the room. Avery glances at Logan and he smiles, but she knows he feels as out of place as she does. They both grew up in broken homes and have never felt the kind of compassion that currently zings through this room.
Until I met him.
She tightens her hold of his hand and leans into his body, tilting her head toward his ear as he exchanges a joke with Austin.
“I love you, Logan.”
He turns in her direction and kisses her softly.
“I love you, too, sweetheart,” he echoes.
Joseph and Amy rise from the table, bringing the family’s attention to their stance.
“We’re getting a bit tired so we wanted to say goodnight to everyone. But first I want to thank all of you for welcoming Avery with open arms, though I never expected anything less. Avery, you may already have plans, but we would love to have our entire family with us at Thanksgiving in a few weeks,” Amy requests.
“I’d love to. I’ve never had a traditional Thanksgiving. Oh, I’m excited!” Avery peeks at Logan once more and finds notes of disappointment skimming in his eyes. “Amy, would you mind if Logan came too?”
“Oh no, Amy. I don’t want to intrude on your family’s day,” Logan rushes, embarrassed by Avery’s request.
“Nonsense, of course you’re coming. You’re important to Avery and Austin and that makes you family. And no arguing.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Ok then. Boys you should head out, too. I believe you’re all on duty tonight.”
They all grumble at the table and Avery arches her brow toward Austin in question.