“Oh lord, if they inherit their daddy’s wild streak, we’re all in trouble!” Marnie places a palm on her chest in feigned distress, but her eyes crinkle as she smiles.
Cam gives an indignant huff and swats at his mother with the dishtowel. She ducks away, laughing. I love how the sweetsolemn moment eases into playfulness, once again reminded how lucky I am to be part of this family.
Just then, Michael enters the kitchen carrying a platter. “Alright, who’s ready for round two? I’ve got enough turkey here to feed an army!”
I place a hand on my full belly. “I need to digest this lot first. I knew I shouldn’t have eaten that second helping of pie.”
“Nonsense,” Marnie says as she takes the platter from Michael and places it on the counter. “There’s no such thing as too much pie. Now go relax until game time.”
“Can I give you a hand, Marnie?”
She gestures to the living room. “Off with you. I’m just going to pack some of this up for you boys to take home. I’ll join you when I’ve finished.”
Michael grabs some beers from the fridge. “Come along, boys.”
We move to the living room and turn on the television preparing to settle in for a couple of hours, but not long after, Marnie comes in. “Before you get too comfortable, let’s take the family photo,” she says.
Michael hauls over the tripod with his camera mounted on top. He fusses with the camera, setting the timer as Marnie joins us on the couch.
“Okay, everyone, get in close,” Marnie says.
Cam wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me to him. I lean into his touch, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. Michael takes his place beside Marnie, his smile wide. As the camera beeps, signaling the countdown, I squeeze Cam’s knee and know I’m grinning like a fool.
The shutter clicks, capturing this moment forever. A snapshot of love and of family.
Later, when we’re saying our goodbyes, I pull Marnie aside, needing to express the feelings that have been building inside me all day. “I just wanted to thank you for everything. Forraising such an amazing son, for welcoming me into your family, for your constant love and support.”
Her eyes shine as she reaches out to squeeze my hand. “Oh, honey,” she murmurs, “you never have to thank me for that. You’re a part of this family, now and always.”
I pull her into a hug, holding on tight, trying to pour all my gratitude and love into the embrace. “Thank you.”
As we pull apart, Marnie wipes at her eyes, laughing softly. “Now, go on.” She shoos me toward the door where Cam is waiting with our coats. “You boys have a safe drive back. And don’t forget to message when you get home.”
I grin, nodding my head. “We will. I promise.”
After one last round of hugs and goodbyes, we head to the car. I put my hand on Cam’s thigh as we pull away from the curb, and as the familiar streets of Collier’s Creek pass by, I replay the events of the day in my mind.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Cam says and I glance over to find him watching me, a soft smile playing at his lips.
I exhale a contented sigh, leaning back against the headrest, my thumb stroking absently over the fabric of his jeans. “I was just thinking about how lucky we are.”
“I know what you mean,” he murmurs, his gaze drifting back to the road. “Growing up, I always knew I was different. That my dreams of falling in love and starting a family might not look like everyone else’s. But my parents never made me feel like that was a bad thing. They just wanted me to be happy, to find someone who loved me as much as they did.”
I swallow hard against the sudden swell of emotion. “And you did. We both did.”
Chapter Eleven
Cam
I flick the doorclosed behind us, locking out the rest of the world. As wonderful as it’s been to spend Thanksgiving with my parents, now all I want is Greg to myself. I fire off a quick text to Mom, dump the container of leftovers on the hall table and turn to him. He holds my gaze as he slowly hangs up his coat and toes off his boots. There’s a secret smile tugging at his lips and I know he’s thinking the same thing I am. It’s confirmed when he steps forward and wraps his arms around my shoulders. His skin is cold as our faces meet, but his mouth is warm, and the kiss is sizzling.
When we eventually come up for air, I rest my forehead against his. “How about a quick shower?”
“Mmm… sounds good.”
I take his hand and tug him toward the rear of the house. I’m not allowed anywhere near the main bathroom that’s mid-renovation, but the laundry room has an old shower that right now is a blessing.
“You wait right there.” I drop another kiss on his lips before reaching for the faucet. It’ll take a while before the water runs warm, and I want to ensure it’s perfect.
