“Well, the screen is cracked,” he said. “But it still works. Look.”
He held out the phone to his boy. The screen was cracked, but it was lit up.
“Can you fix it?” Danny asked hopefully.
“Not me,” Dan said. “But there’s a man in the city who can. He has a shop right across from my work.”
That put a tentative smile on Danny’s face again.
“Next time, I won’t put my phone on the edge of the table,” Dan said. “How about you?”
“Next time, I’ll be more careful,” Danny said right away. “And I won’t run in the house.”
“Exactly,” Dan told him, opening his arms.
Dalton watched in absolute wonder as the little boy crawled into his father’s arms and the man held him tight and kissed the top of his dark head.
“Now,” Dan said. “Who wants to admire the pies?”
That had the kids cheering again. But no one ranaround this time. They all moved carefully through the crowded kitchen.
When Dalton finally took his eyes off Danny, he caught Ella gazing at him, a curious expression in her eyes.
She saw me put myself in front of the boy,he realized.She knew what I thought was going to happen.
He glanced around, but no one else seemed to have noticed that he’d reacted strangely.
When he looked back to Ella, she had turned to help her mom with the gravy.
The restof the afternoon unfolded smoothly. The meal was completed and everyone sat down at a table that Dalton was starting to think might be in danger of collapsing under so many dishes.
Before they ate, everyone went around the table to say what they were thankful for.
“I’m thankful to share this meal with family,” Lori began.
“I’m thankful for each of you,” Dan went on.
“I’m thankful Christmas is coming,” Olivia said, her eyes wide.
There were smiles and quiet chuckling around the table at that.
“I’m thankful for my teacher, Mrs. Wiggins,” Danny said.
“I’m very thankful for extra hands to help on the farm this year,” Mary said with awarm smile for Dalton. “And for the friends and family who we hold dear.”
“I’m thankful for help in the kitchen,” Michael added. “And to have family here today.”
“I’m thankful foryou, Dove,” Ella said when it was her turn.
“AndI’mthankful forfour pies,” Dove said.
Everyone laughed, charmed by the little girl’s joy at their dessert.
Then all eyes were on Dalton. He’d been so moved by everyone else’s statements, he’d forgotten that he would have to say what he was thankful for himself.
“I’m thankful for the Bennett family,” he said gruffly. “You all know how to celebrate. Thanks for including me.”
Everyone raised their glasses at that, and then began passing the plates of food around. Everything was delicious. Dalton had to keep reminding himself to save room for dessert.
