Mrs. Caldwell took the platter from him and served Myla who then tried to serve Wes. It took her a minute to figure out if she walked to the other side of the table, she could set it next to him, then place some onto his place. Wes then served Paige, and having caught on, she served Mr. Caldwell.
They did the same with each dish, and Paige loved it. “Do you do this for every meal or only special occasions?”
“Only on our big holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.” Mrs. Caldwell smiled at her husband, her affection for him on display. “It’s a reminder we’re all together in this life and help each other when needed.”
“It’s a lovely tradition.”
“Thank you.” Mrs. Caldwell spread butter on Myla’s roll. “What traditions does your family have on Thanksgiving?”
“Before we can eat, we have to say what we’re thankful for, and it can’t be anything material like a new car or piece of jewelry.” A fond smile surfaced. “Dad enacted that rule when we were children and would always say our latest toy.”
Conversation quieted as everyone began eating. Paige ate her cornbread stuffing and turkey—two of her favorites—and struggled to eat the rest. She’d overindulged in mashed potatoes with gravy at the meal with her family, and the fullness had lingered. Thankfully Wes had the intuition to give her small portions, and she managed to clean her plate.
She helped clear the table and clean dishes, thankful Mrs. Caldwell allowed her to help.
While at the sink drying dishes, Mrs. Caldwell clarified. “Thanks for cleaning up with me. I’d never expect a guest to, but I know from experience how awkward it is to be a visitor in someone’s home and watch them clean up your mess.”
“Yes, and I’m an odd one, but I like to clean up after meals. It makes me think I’m burning the calories I ate.” She glanced down at her stuffed stomach. “Though in today’s case, I think I’d have to run a marathon.”
“I understand.” Mrs. Caldwell handed her the last plate. “And it helps make room for dessert.”
Wes came into the kitchen. “Did someone say pumpkin pie?”
“How can you even think about food?” His mom swatted him with a dishrag. “Give me an hour at least.”
“In that case, can I steal Paige for a little bit?” He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her to him.
“Go ahead. I’m going to make sure your father doesn’t fall asleep in the recliner while Myla’s playing with her kiddie make-up set.”
They all enjoyed a laugh at the images that invoked. Several of Myla’s dolls now had green foreheads and cheeks.
Alone in the room, Wes stared at her. “Would you like to sit on the back porch for a little bit? It shouldn’t be too cold with the heat coming from the house.”
She nodded and accepted his hand. Once outside, they sat on the swing hanging from the rafters. Though it was dark, the porchlight offered sufficient light to see each other.
Lifting her hand, Wes kissed her knuckles. “Thanks for coming tonight. It means a lot to me.”
“I’m glad to be here.” She snuggled in close to him. “Not spending time with you at all today wouldn’t seem right.”
“I know what you mean.” He released her hand to slide an arm around her shoulders. “On the day we celebrate what we’re thankful for, it’s only right to spend time with those we love.”
His words went straight to her heart. Did that mean… She searched his eyes for an answer.
He rubbed circles on her shoulder. “Maybe it’s too soon to say, but we both know how quickly life can change, and if I never got the chance to tell you, I’d always regret it. I love you, and I can’t wait to see what our future holds.”
From the depths of her soul, Paige knew she’d found the man God meant for her and had sent her way on a fated autumn stroll. “I love you, too.”
