Chapter Thirteen
Thanksgiving rated as Alexis’s second favorite holiday, only a fraction of a spot below Christmas. She loved everything about the day. The colors, the food, the attitude of gratitude. Mostly, she loved family and togetherness.
This year, she was blessed to have double the celebration.
Hope House had an annual dinner every Thanksgiving in the early afternoon. Although her presence wasn’t needed, Alexis couldn’t imagine not attending. Each person at Hope House had become an extension of her family, and she loved them.
Her heart grew as she looked around the community room. A few of the women had returned to their dorms for their children to nap, but most had gathered to play games and enjoy an afternoon of relaxation after they’d eaten.
Trey stood across the room, deep in conversation with Mr. Wilson and Mr. Randolph. She couldn’t hear the topic, but the smiles on all their faces pulled on her heartstrings. After Trey had worked hard on the traffic light petition, and used his connections to speed up its approval, the entire board had seen his dedication. She knew for sure that Mrs. Guillory had even apologized to him, and she suspected the others had as well.
Tiffany plopped beside her on the sofa. “I sense another Hope House wedding on the way.”
“Who?” she asked distractedly, still watching Trey.
“Who do you think?” Tiffany smirked and playfully elbowed her. “Maybe you and that man you can’t tear your eyes from.”
“Oh.” Her cheeks burned.
“Connor and Carl both approve, just so you know.” Tiffany winked. “Luna and I do as well.”
“What do I approve of?” Luna asked, coming up to them.
“Trey.” Grinning, Tiffany looped an arm through Alexis’s. “I was asking if there would be another Hope House wedding soon.”
“Ooooh, yes, I definitely approve. Trey’s a good man. Carl has spent more time with him than I have, but he doesn’t give his approval to just anyone.”
Alexis laughed. “That’s good to know.”
“And we all approve of Truffles. Especially Hope.” Luna chuckled. “Look at them snuggled like they’re best friends.”
“They’ve bonded over car injuries,” Alexis said. Who knew if dogs could communicate like that, but no one could deny that Truffles and Hope had hit it off.
“Lilly would have come, but she still misses Roxie,” Tiffany added. “I might be joking. Lilly is being a sleepyhead at home, but you should have seen her perk when I was facetiming with Rachel the other day and Roxie poked her head in the camera.”
They all laughed, but it was true that Hope House had a way of creating strong bonds, both in humans and animals.
Alexis pulled her arm from Tiffany and stood up. “I hate to leave this party, but I told my parents we’d be there by four.”
“Be safe. I’ll see you next week when I bring Hope for the therapy sessions.” Luna gave her a quick hug.
“And I’ll see you, Monday.” Tiffany stood and gave her a goodbye hug. “Enjoy your long weekend.”
“I will.” She went to Trey, who had just finished his conversation.
“Ready to leave?”
“No, because I’m enjoying my time here, and yes, because I’m excited to celebrate with my family.” She winced when she saw a flicker of sadness shadow his eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He kissed her cheek and smiled. “I get to celebrate with you. What more could I want?”
He reached for their coats on the rack and held her while she put it on. She glanced at Truffles in the corner. “I hate to wake her up.”
“I hope no one slipped her turkey. It always makes me sleepy.”
“That’s why I chose ham and saved the turkey for Mom’s.”
“Smart woman.” He grabbed Truffles’ leash and went to wake her up.
