Mom beamed. “Good for you, Kacey. It’s about time you dated someone. I can’t remember the last time you mentioned being interested in a young man.”
“Let’s talk about something else,” Kacey said as she slid a pork chop onto her plate beside her mashed potatoes and green beans. “Since Mom is hosting Thanksgiving next week, what are you going to bring, Dani? Besides dessert, of course.”
Dani lifted her glass of water. “I thought I’d make pumpkin pie and cookies for the kids. Also, Travis’s parents would like to join us. Peggy said she’ll bring cranberry sauce and green bean casserole.”
“You know they’re always welcome,” Mom said.
“Great.” Kacey looked over at Mom. “We can handle the rest, right?”
Mom nodded. “Sure.”
Then Kacey smiled over at Kelly, who sat in her booster seat and forked a small bite of green beans into her mouth. “Kelly and Riley need to make up their list for Santa, right?”
“Yes!” Riley exclaimed. “I’m already working on mine, and I’ll help Kelly with hers.”
While Riley announced her wish list, Kacey glanced over at her sister, who frowned, and guilt filled Kacey’s gut. She would get her sister alone and tell her that she’d help her with the girls’ gifts this year. She wanted to be sure her nieces had a magical Christmas morning.
Kacey had to write a shopping list. She would find gifts for all her family members and also something special for Drew.
***
“Dinner was delicious, and the movie was pretty good too,” Kacey announced as she and Drew strolled toward his car the following evening.
Drew peered up at the clear, dark sky, the bright moon glowing above them, and the stars twinkling. Then he turned toward Kacey, her face seeming to glow in the streetlights. “You actually liked the movie?”
“No.” She laughed and shook her head. “I thought it was really boring and talky.”
He chuckled. “I did too. I’m sorry I recommended it.”
“It’s not your fault. I enjoyed the company.” She bumped his arm with her side.
“Me too.” He actually had considered holding her hand in the movie theater, but he didn’t want to come on too strong and scare her away.
“What are your plans for Thanksgiving next week?”
“I assumed I was going to my mother’s house. Why?”
“How about you come to my house for dinner and then go to your parents’ house for dessert.”
He stopped moving and faced her. “You want to spend Thanksgiving with me?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Her expression was incredulous. “Besides, didn’t you once tell me that your mom doesn’t like to cook so she doesn’t even make a turkey on Thanksgiving?”
“That’s true.”
“So enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving with me and my family.”
“I’d love to.”
“Great.” Her smiled widened. “I’ll find out what time we’re eating and let you know.”
They made their way to his car and talked about old friends as he drove her to her mother’s house. When they arrived, he walked her to the door.
“Thank you for tonight,” she said.
“You’re welcome.”
To his surprise, she wrapped her arms round his middle and hugged him. He closed his eyes and breathed in the flowery scent of her shampoo. Or maybe it was her perfume.
