Once everyone has arrived, the apartment transforms instantly. It swells with warmth, conversation, and the clatter of incoming dishes. I stand there, momentarily stunned by the sudden, overwhelming joy of it all. This is it. This is our life. A messy, loud, complicated, wonderful chosen family.
I find myself swept into the action, taking coats, directing people to the crowded countertops, answering Tim’s questions about the pecan pie. I hear Patty and Maya instantly launch into a discussion about the upcoming auction. This is the first time they’ve seen each other since Maya was in the hospital on the day we were supposed to have our double date.
I’m laughing at a one of Hannah’s jokes when I feel a subtle shift in the crowd near me. A pair of small, warm hands sliparound my waist from behind, and Maya leans her head against my back. “Happy Thanksgiving, astronaut,” she murmurs, her voice soft against the clamor of the party.
I turn in the circle of her arms, bringing her around to face me. The kitchen light catches the soft highlights in her hair, and her eyes, though still tired, are bright and full of a love that makes my chest ache in the best possible way.
“Happy Thanksgiving, world traveler,” I reply, my voice dropping for her alone.
She looks around at the packed room. “Look at this,” she says, her voice husky with emotion. “I am so thankful for all of this. For them.” She tightens her arms around me, holding on for a solid, grounding moment.
Then she pulls back just enough to look me in the eye. “And I am so, so thankful for you. For the pies, for the potatoes, for the spoons, and for making this home. I love you.”
My voice is soft with emotion. “I love you too, Maya,” I say, pulling her in for a long, slow kiss, letting the noise of the party fade into a background hum.
This right here, surrounded by love and warmth and good food, is exactly where I’m meant to be. My scary, hard leap of faith led me right here. To Pine Island. To Maya. And this is exactly where I plan to stay. Forever.
THE END
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