CHAPTER 42
Theo
I didn’t knowabout Pen, but I was already full, and Haven Thanksgiving hadn’t even begun.
We’d spent the early afternoon with Colleen at the assisted living center, and the food was fantastic. And when we arrived at my parents’ place for holiday meal number two, there was a counter full of appetizers. I felt like I’d been eating all day.
The house smelled amazing, though, so I intentionally moved away from the snacks. Had to leave room for turkey.
Everyone was there, including all the nieces and nephews. The house was filled with commotion, conversation, and laughter as babies were passed around, kids played, and adults chatted about everything from sports to parenting to wedding plans.
Once again, I watched, knowing I had a big announcement to make. They didn’t know I was staying, or that Penelope and I were more than friends.
A lot more.
Cracking a smile, I watched as she sat in the living room, huddled with Melanie and Marigold over wedding magazines and a big binder. I knew how much it meant to her to have madenew friends. Having a work bestie was one thing, but she needed more. And seeing her bond with the women in my family was like the whipped cream on top of a slice of homemade pumpkin pie—kinda made things perfect.
I’d already contacted Kevin at Carolina to let him know I had to rescind my acceptance of their offer. He was disappointed, but understood and thanked me for letting him know well in advance. They had plenty of time to find another candidate.
After that conversation, I’d been left with a profound sense of peace. I had no doubt I’d done the right thing.
I caught sight of Owen out of the corner of my eye. He held his baby sister, Isla, and laughed as she tried to grab the crackers he was eating. Picking my way across the room, I stepped over my nephew Will and made my way to Owen.
Isla grabbed his nose. With a chuckle, he took her hand and pretended to nibble on her fingers, making her squeal with laughter.
“Hi, Uncle Theo.” He gently stopped Isla from batting him in the face.
“Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure. About the game? Don’t worry, I’ll get a good night’s sleep even though we don’t have school tomorrow.”
“No, I’m not worried about the game.” I hesitated, glancing around. I wanted the chance to tell Owen privately first, so I gestured for him to come with me.
He followed me down the hallway. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, fine. There’s just something I need to tell everyone, and I wanted you to hear it first.” I stopped, and Isla leaned toward me, so I scooped her into my arms. “Hi, sweetheart.”
She smacked me on the nose and giggled.
“Sorry, I accidentally taught her to do that,” Owen said.
“She’s fine.” I kissed her little fingers. “Anyway, I’m not taking the college job. I decided to stay.”
His eyes lit up and he cracked a smile. It made him look so much like his dad. “Really? That’s awesome.”
“Yeah, so you’re stuck with me as your coach for two more years. Hope that isn’t bad news.”
“It’s great news. I was kinda hoping you’d stay. Not just for football. It would be weird without you.”
“Yeah, I’m meant to be here.” Isla tried to grab my nose, and Owen reached over to take her.
“Thanks, Uncle Theo. Glad you’re staying.”
“Me too.”
We went back to the living room, and Owen handed Isla to their dad. Pen was still engrossed in conversation with Melanie and Marigold, and there seemed to be a lull in the frenzy of cooking. Mom sipped a glass of wine while she chatted with Audrey and Josiah, and Dad had my twin nieces in his lap.
Looked like as good a time as any.
