“Sorry, kiddos,” I say.
My granddad, uncles, and other relatives watch football on the large flat-screen television in the living room, arguing heatedly about which team they believe will win.
I told Maverick to come at three, though dinner was supposed to start at two, figuring the food wouldn’t be ready on time. Of course I was right in my assumption. I didn’t want him to arrive too early, because I would’ve been too busy helping in the kitchen to stay by his side. This is a major step for him, and he needs my support. I swing the door open and jump into his arms.
“You must be excited to see me,” he says, amusement in his tone.
“Maybe,” I tease, grabbing his hand and pulling him inside.
His palm is sweaty, though outwardly he seems fine.
I tighten my hold on his hand. “Everything’s going to be okay.”
He nods and returns the gesture. I introduce him to everyone in the living room, then move on to the kitchen.
“Oh, my stars.” My grandmother pinches Maverick’s cheeks. “Aren’t you just adorable?”
A flush creeps up his neck to the tips of his ears. “Umm… thank you, ma’am.”
My mouth quirks at the corners, amused by Maverick’s bashfulness.
“You remind me of a young Brad Pitt.I’d steal you from Cocoa if I were a couple decades younger.”
“I wouldn’t exist if you were a couple decades younger,” I snicker.
Sometimes Bertha Anne has no filter.
“Mom, stop embarrassing him,” Renee chides.
“Am I making you uncomfortable?” my grandma asks.
“Not at all,” Maverick lies.
“See, he is perfectly fine.”
Renee rolls her eyes. “He’s being polite, Mom.”
“Anyhoo, dinner is done,” my grandmother states. “Cocoa, tell everyone to gather in the living room.”
I do her bidding. Per tradition, my granddad says a prayer, then each person states what they’re most thankful for during the year.
Finally, it’s my turn.
“I’m thankful for my mom finding happiness and remarrying.”
I glance at Maverick and give him a nod of encouragement.
“I’m thankful for meeting Cocoa,” he announces, gazing into my eyes, which elicits catcalls from my family.
I smile so hard I’m amazed my jaw doesn’t crack. I’ll be teased relentlessly for the rest of the evening. Once the custom is completed, everyone eagerly files into the kitchen where the food is set up buffet style on the island.
The table in the dining area is only big enough to sit twelve, tops, so it’s usual to find family members scattered throughout the house, chowing down. Maverick and I go upstairs to the guest room and eat there. And boy, does he devour everything on his plate.
I lie on the bed, propped against the soft pillows. Cocoa’s head rests comfortably on my chest. I’d be content to stay in this exact position until morning. She slides her hand along my full belly while my fingertips skim along her rib cage.
I’m happy Cocoa pushed me to come here. Her family is a welcoming bunch. I even chilled in the living room for a bit and watched football.
“How far along are you?” Cocoa asks seriously.
