But I can’t get his comment out of my head for the rest of the night, because I think he’s right.Mason may like that Cillian doesn’t much like or take an interest in children, even mine.But it bothers me more than I expected it to, and eventually I’ll have to deal with that.
16
Vanessa
Thanksgiving was the lovely reset that I needed.
Other than one strange interaction where people seemed to be implying, mostly Rían unknowingly, that Trace couldn’t really change to do better, it was almost perfect.I had all the people I really liked all in one place.Trish was happy, and I was happy, and I’m still feeling a little guilty that Natalie basically did everything, but she likes to do things like that.
So for once, I just let her.
It was so different than every other Thanksgiving year, and frankly,one thousandtimes better than the last three Thanksgivings with just Jeremy and Trish and my kids.My parents always talk about coming out to Colorado, but they never have, and I didn’t want to haul my kids a long way on the few days they had off.
The past few years, Thanksgiving has felt empty.
This year, it was robust, dynamic, and full of light.Jack’s two kids were an absolute hoot, refusing to eat anything but the stew.“They’ll eventually figure it out,” Jack said, implying that we’d have lots of Thanksgivings together.It warmed my heart, and for the first time, I wondered whether I might start to look forward to the holidays again instead of dreading them.
When I finish work early, I head for the barn.
I know Sam and Natalie will be there, riding.
I don’t expect to intercept Bryce and Trace, who just got out of school.“Are you two going over to ride?”I know they’ve been riding occasionally, but I didn’t think they were going out today.
“I thought I might,” Bryce says.
Trace shrugs.“Maybe.”
But when we arrive, Rían’s just loading up a big old duffel bag.He almost runs into Trace on his way to his car.
“Where are you going?”I ask.
“We’re squeezing in some extra hurling practices, hoping to be ready for the season to restart.”
As if the mention of hurling summoned him, Jack calls.
I swipe to answer.
“Hey, beautiful,” he says.“I have a favor to ask.”He never asks me for favors.
“What can I do?”
“Hey,” Sam says as we approach.“What are you guys doing here?”
“Jack just called her,” Bryce explains.“We were just coming by to say hello.”
“Wanna go for a ride?”Sam glances at Bryce.“Because those shoes aren’t great for riding.”
“He left his boots in the tack room,” Clara says.
“Can you watch my kids for a bit?”Jack asks.“We’re trying to get a few extra practices in before the holiday, and everyone said they can make it, but my sister’s still working.”
“Of course,” I say.“Would they want to be out there with you at the park?Or should I meet you at your house?”
“They love to run around, if you’re okay to keep an eye on them during my practice.”He chuckles.“Plus, that’s probably easier for you.They behave better when they have wide open spaces to destroy—er, I mean spread out.”
“Ha,” I say.“I can meet you out there.”It’s always fun watching someone do something they’re really good at, and Jack isgreatat hurling.The way he carries the ball, the way he runs and throws at the same time, it almost borders on art.“I’ll bring some snacks.”
“They loved those little gummy things you had the last time.”
