“Yeah, we just got here. It’s decked out to the nines, as usual.” I lean against the porch railing, admiring the fall decorations. No doubt it’ll be filled to overflowing with Christmas stuff by Monday. “How are things on your end? The kids driving you nuts yet?”
“Oh, you know it! They’re missing their Uncle Greg.” She chuckles wryly. “But we’ll survive.”
“I miss you guys too.”
“Listen, since it’s Thanksgiving I wanted to call and tell you…” Her voice softens. “I’m really grateful to have you in our life, Greg. You’re an amazing brother and a fantastic uncle.”
My throat tightens with emotion. Growing up, Madi was always there for me, and even now she offers so much support. Since our parents’ deaths, she’s become even more important. “Aww, sis… I’m grateful for you too. So much. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“That’s what older sisters are for,” she teases. “Anyway, I won’t keep you. Go stuff your face and give Cam’s family my love, okay? And take lots of pics for me!”
“Will do. Love you, Madi.”
As the call ends, I slip the phone back into my pocket, and it really hits me how lucky I am—my family, an amazing husband, another incredible family who’ve welcomed me with open arms. What more could a guy ask for? With a smile on my face, I turn and push open the front door to be greeted by the sound of laughter and conversation. Once I’ve hung up my coat, I head to the living room.
“There he is!” Cam’s dad, Michael, steps forward.
“Hey, everyone,” I say as I step inside the room. “Happy Thanksgiving!”
Michael shakes my hand and pulls me in to clap my back. “Nice to see you, Greg.”
Cam’s mom Marnie rushes over and pulls me into a tight hug. “Oh, Greg, honey, it’s so wonderful to have you here!”
“Thanks for having me,” I reply.
Marnie waves a dismissive hand. “Pfft, ‘thanks for having me,’ he says! Greg Freeman, you know full well you’re always welcome here, holiday or not.” She pats my cheek affectionately. “Now, let me look at you…”
I laugh as she steps back, eyeing me up and down. You’d think she hadn’t seen me in years instead of only a week ago. “Yep, still devastatingly handsome,” I say, striking a pose. “Cam’s a lucky guy.”
“Damn straight.” Cam appears at my side, slipping an arm around my waist and pressing a kiss to my temple.
Marnie rolls her eyes and giggles. “Oh, you two!” She raises her arms and places a palm on each of our cheeks. Her smile is radiant, eyes shining as she looks between us. “I’m the lucky one, seeing my boys so happy.”
Her boys.My throat tightens at her words. “We’re the lucky ones, Marnie. Seriously. You guys… I can’t even tell you how much you mean to me. You and Michael.”
Michael chuckles, a deep rumble, and claps me on the back again. “Well, maybe you can show us then? How about one of you boys takes over carving the turkey? It’s time this old guy handed over the mantle.”
“Old? Jesus, Dad. You’re not old, you’re more like a classic.”
“Yeah. You’re vintage. Like fine wine,” I joke as I pass over the bottle of red I’m holding. I’m rewarded with Michael’s wide grin.
“You guys are so silly.” Marnie laughs, her blue eyes crinkling. “But speaking of turkey, we’d better eat before the turkey turns to jerky.”
“Well, we couldn’t want that to happen, would we, love?” Michael says, hooking his elbow through hers.
Laughter follows as I enter the dining room, Cam’s hand steady at the small of my back. The table practically groans beneath a glorious spread—golden turkey, mounds of stuffing and mashed potatoes, the obligatory sweet potato with marshmallows and green bean casserole, plus gravy and cranberry sauce.
“Wow. You’ve outdone yourselves. This looks incredible!”
“Nothing but the best for our boys,” Marnie says, her smile betraying her happiness. She gestures to the chairs. “Well, have a seat! Hope you came hungry, because I expect to see those plates clean.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I reply, and Cam salutes, then we take our usual spots side by side. Despite his earlier comment, Michael stands at the head of the table and carves the turkey.
We settle in and pass dishes around, loading plates, falling into the familiar pattern of a family meal with the Walkers—lots of good-natured teasing, and laughter. I’m content to mostly listen, basking in the warmth, the pure joy of sharing this day with Cam. Cam’s an only child, but I think, even if he was one of a dozen, he’d still share a close relationship with his parents—they enjoy each other’s company so much.
Conversation turns to reminiscing about other family celebrations.
“Hey, remember when Greg was grilling that marinated steak at our farewell party before we left for our big trip?” Cam says. He turns to his parents, barely suppressing a grin. “Nearly singed his eyebrows clean off!”
