“Ready?” I ask.
“Yeah, I know them. This is just me being nervous, and that’s on me, not them.”
We walk in together, and immediately we’re enveloped in the chaos that is a Harrison family holiday. My grandmother Karina pulls Magnolia into a hug, my grandfather claps me on the back. My mom appears out of nowhere with a glass of wine for Magnolia, my dad asks if I want a beer.
It’s loud and warm and exactly what family should be.
Molly finds us about ten minutes later, her eyes sharp as they move between me and Magnolia. “Hey, you two.”
“Hey, sis.”
She pulls me aside while Magnolia’s talking to my mom. “What’s going on with you and my best friend?”
“Nothing,” I say, which isn’t exactly a lie. We haven’t defined what we are. “I’m just helping her out. With everything going on with Cody, she needed a safe place to stay.”
Molly’s expression softens. “That’s really sweet of you, Levi.”
“It’s not a big deal.”
“It is to her,” Molly says quietly. “She doesn’t let people help her. The fact that she’s letting you…that means more than you know.”
Before I can respond, we’re being called to dinner.
The dining room table is massive, stretching the length of the room, covered in food that my grandmother and various family members have probably been preparing for days. Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, rolls, and my favorite, mac and cheese.
I end up sitting next to Magnolia, and across from my cousins Ella and Darren. My aunt Kelsea and uncle Nick are down at the other end, deep in conversation with my parents.
Ella is much younger than her brother, and I’ve always held a soft spot for her, so when she asks a question, I listen. “Why is your beard so busy?” She asks, tilting her head to the side. She’s the youngest of all of us Harrison kids, but we all like to indulge her.
“Because I’ve gotten lazy with it,” I answer her.
Darren rolls his eyes. Even though he loves the hell out of her, the age-gap sometimes is a bit much. “How’s work?”
“Good,” I say carefully. I can’t tell them about the undercover operation, but I also don’t want to lie. “Busy.”
“I bet,” Darren chimes in. “Fish and Wildlife keeping you on your toes?”
“Always. When are you going to come join us?” He’s just spent a year with the SWAT team in Birmingham.
“I’m thinking about it,” he says, but doesn’t elaborate further.
Magnolia’s leg presses against mine under the table, and I’m not sure if it’s intentional or not, but I leave mine where it is, taking comfort in the warm touch.
After dinner, we all migrate to the living room to watch the Alabama game. My grandfather has it turned up way too loud, my grandmother fussing that he’s going to wake the neighbors.
Molly settles on the floor next to Magnolia’s feet, and I see them exchange a look. Then Molly glances at me, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“So Levi,” she says casually. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Magnolia lately.”
“Just helping out a friend,” I repeat, keeping my voice level.
“Uh huh.” She doesn’t sound convinced, but she lets it drop.
Alabama scores a touchdown, and the room erupts in cheers. In the chaos, Magnolia leans in close, her lips nearly brushing my ear.
“I forgot how cool your family is,” she whispers.
“They’re yours too,” I whisper back.
