Not mine, though.
They cast me aside the second I stepped out of line. Emotion threatens to cripple me, so I reach for the jug of water and pour myself a glass, drinking it down.
“Cole,” Sarah says. “Are you joining us?”
He’s just standing there, staring at us like we’re everything that’s wrong with the world.
“Col—” Ace starts, but he finally moves, taking his seat beside me. I risk peeking up at him, but his eyes are set ahead, staring at nothing.
“Okay, then. I can now declare this meal open,” James jokes, clearing his throat when no one but Sarah laughs. “I know this is new, for all of us. But I just wanted to take this opportunity to say I’m thankful for this. I realize I have made mistakes and I have a lot to make up for, but the fact that you’re here, where you belong…” He runs his eyes over each of his sons. “Well, it’s more than I could have ever hoped for.
“Now, I don’t want to put you all on the spot, but would anyone else like to say what they’re thankful for?”
Ace glances at Conner, who glances at Cole.
“Maybe I should go first,” Remi’s mom says, beaming over at James. “I’m thankful for family. For my beautiful daughter.” She gazes warmly at Remi, who blushes and grumbles, “Mom.”
“I’m sorry I embarrass you, sweetheart, but it’s true. I know I haven’t always been the mom you need or deserve, but I’m so proud of the young woman you’ve become.”
“Thank you.”
“She is pretty awesome,” Conner smirks, and everyone chuckles.
Everyone except me and Cole. He’s silent and still beside me, a dark, angry thundercloud over what sh
ould be a happy occasion.
“What about you, Conner? What are you thankful for?”
“Me?” He balks, as if he can’t believe Sarah cares. And my heart aches, thinking that this could be the first time they’ve had a proper Thanksgiving.
As shitty my parents have been to me, I can’t say I had a bad childhood.
I didn’t.
I was doted on, given everything a girl could ever want. We always celebrated holidays as a family, usually with the other founding families of Gravestone County.
“I’m grateful for Ellen and her amazing skills in the kitchen. You should totally give her a raise.” He winks at James.
“Anything else?” Sarah prompts.
“I’m grateful that we’re here.”
Cole stiffens beside me, his anger palpable.
“I’m grateful that we’re not eating microwave meals, celebrating Thanksgiving like it’s just another day.”
Sarah stifles a sniffle and James pats her hand. “Ace, would you like to go?”
He runs a hand down his face. “I’m thankful for Remi.” The way he looks at her twists my stomach.
“I love you,” she mouths.
“Cole, what about you?”
The air crackles as we wait. He’s so still, so quiet, that for a second, I think he’s going to answer. But then his chair flies backward and he leaps up.
“I can’t do this.”