“Okay, Dom, your turn!” Grace directs.
“I’m thankful for another Thanksgiving where our little family continues to get bigger.” He says, Dom may be a big goof but he has a heart to match it.
“You have a surprisingly big heart.” Sin says to him, from where she’s sandwiched between him and Harley.
“You know what else is big?” Dom waggles his eyebrows at her.
“Donotfinish that sentence with your niece and my Father at this table, Dominic.” Maverick’s voice is tight from where he sits causing Dom to wave his hands in a placating manner.
“Well, I am glad I didn’t have to work this year and got to spend it with you guys,” Sin butts in, taking the spotlight off of Dom—a quick expression of awe passes over his face, like he wasn’t expecting her to help him.
“I’m grateful to be graduated and officially an LMHC. Now to do all the supervision hours…” Harley adds quietly.
“You’ve got this Harls.” Collins reassures her before adding, “I’m grateful that we are all healthy and for Precious, my sweet little kitty.”
“I’m grateful to play another year with you guys,” Nik says. He's getting older and will soon have to retire on his own—or the NHL will decide it for him. Nik gestures to Conrad without saying a word cueing him to speak.
“I just want to say thank you for allowing me a second chance and us to celebrate the holidays with you all.” The confidence that I expect from Conrad, dulled.
“Yes, thank you. Mace and I needed a community and you guys have provided it for us.” Enid smiles, squeezing his hand atop the table.
“I’m grateful for mashed potatoes and apple pie.” Mace, the little smart ass adds, “Your turn, Tatum.”
“I’m thankful that Darcy and I have such an amazing support system as we get closer to welcoming our little guy. We can’t thank you all enough for everything that you’ve done.” I tell the table and feel D’s hand squeezing my thigh again, followed quickly by a kiss on my cheek. A gaggle of oohs and awes ripple out from our friends and family.
“I’m thankful that I have found such a wonderful partner in Tatum throughout my pregnancy. His immense support has gotten me through the hard days and I am so grateful for that.” She chokes out, “And the rest of you, you’ve been great too.”
“Anything for you, Mama,” I say, driving my point home with a lingering kiss on her lips. She looks at me, eyes wide because I just kissed her in front of our friends. Those big, brown orbs swimming with hope, anticipation, and expectation.There’s that fucking panic again.
Chapter21
Friendsgiving
Darcy || 25 weeks pregnant, November
Ican sense something swirling behind Tatum’s tight facial expression—something that isn’t quite sitting right with me. Why is he suddenly on edge, whenhe’sthe one who just kissedme?
Before I can allow myself to spiral, Kodi’s voice breaks through the fog, “Well on that note. Let’s dig in.”
Our meal flies by in a flurry of conversation, and my niggling worries dissipate throughout the evening. Tatum seldom leaves my side, until the guys head out back to play corn hole while the girls and I snuggle up on the couch and talk to Grace about her pending move.
“What made you guys decide to take the jump?” Kodi asks Grace from beside me, her head resting on my shoulder. Bella’s droopy-eyed head lies in her lap, the turkey coma and today's excitement slowly starts to sink in.
“Well, we’ve missed so much of Bella’s life already, plus our family is here. This is where we want to be.” Grace smiles fondly at the little girl we all love so deeply.
“Too bad you aren’t having a girl, D. We werealmostoutnumbering the guys.” Sin chimes in.
“You’ll have to have a chat with the man who created this,” I retort, gesturing towards my stomach. “Regardless, our lil dude is still going to stand up for girl power.”
“I know that’s right,” Kodi says.
“Girl power!” Bella pops her head up, smiling, and we all chuckle in response.
“That’s my girl.” Kodi laughs, “Time for bed ma’am. Tell everyone goodnight please.”
* * *
“Well I do say,good sir, would you like to tell me what happened in there? It seems to appear that your wits were not about you.” I ask, as Tatum slides into the driver's seat of his car. There’s no need to skirt around the point but I do find myself relying on that silly accent we put on to lighten the mood.
