Dinner was chaotic in the best way. We'd cooked way too much food including turkey, ham, three kinds of potatoes, countless sides, and enough pie to feed an army. Everyone squeezed around the tables we'd pushed together, passing dishes and talking over each other.
When the food was served, Coach stood up to make a toast.
"I'm grateful for this team," he said simply. "For your talent, yes. But more importantly, for your character. This season tested us in ways we didn't expect. But we came through itstronger. More united. And that's what I'll remember long after the championship banner is hung."
"Here, here!" someone called out.
"Now, before we dig in, I want to go around and have everyone share one thing they're grateful for this year."
Groans went up, but Coach was insistent. We went around the table, each person sharing.
Liam was grateful for Brooklyn sticking with him through four years of long distance.
Nova was grateful for the drama department casting her in the spring play.
Max was grateful for Ivy and for finally letting himself be vulnerable.
When it got to Aaron, he stood up. "I'm grateful for my family. For my sister, who's stronger than I ever gave her credit for. And for my teammates, who are also my brothers. All of you."
His eyes met mine when he said it. A clear message: we're good.
"I'm grateful for second chances," I said when it was my turn. "For my knee healing. For Dr. Morrison's patience. For a team that had my back even when I was struggling." I looked at Rosie. "And for finding someone who really sees me and loves me anyway."
Rosie's eyes filled with tears.
"I'm grateful for Derek," she said softly. "For teaching me that losing one dream doesn't mean giving up on dreaming. For showing me that it's okay to be scared and brave at the same time. And for loving me through all my chaos."
"And for helping Derek with his game," Aaron added, making everyone laugh. "Seriously, those Pilates sessions turned him into a machine."
“Maybe we should make it mandatory for the whole team,” Max added with a grin.
The tension broke completely. People laughed, jokes were made, and the rest of dinner was easy and comfortable.
After we'd eaten ourselves into food comas, people migrated inside to watch football or outside to toss a ball around. I found Aaron in the kitchen, doing dishes.
"Need help?" I asked.
"Sure." He handed me a towel.
We worked in silence for a few minutes, falling into a familiar rhythm.
"Thank you," I finally said. "For today. For including Rosie. For making an effort."
"She's my sister. Of course I included her." Aaron scrubbed a pan vigorously. "And you're my best friend. Even when you're being an idiot."
"Fair." I almost chuckled but held back.
"But Derek?" He turned to face me. "I need you to promise me something."
My stomach clenched. "What?"
"Promise me you'll take care of her. Really take care of her. Not just now, when everything's new and exciting, but later too. When things get hard."
"I promise. Aaron, I love her. I'm in this for the long haul. And I know I wasn’t always this reliable guy and that you probably imagined someone different with her, but she changed me, man. There hasn’t been anyone else since my injury, and I don’t want anyone else. Just her."
"Good. Because if you hurt her, I'll kill you. Best friend or not."
"Understood." I dried a plate, then added, "And Aaron? Thank you for giving us a chance. I know it wasn't easy."
