Kacey had to write a shopping list. She would find gifts for all her family members and also something special for Drew.
“Dinner was delicious, and the movie was pretty good too,” Kacey announced as she and Drew strolled toward his car the following evening.
Drew peered up at the clear, dark sky, the bright moon glowing above them, and the stars twinkling. Then he turned toward Kacey, her face seeming to glow in the streetlights. “You actually liked the movie?”
“No.” She laughed and shook her head. “I thought it was really boring and talky.”
He chuckled. “I did too. I’m sorry I recommended it.”
“It’s not your fault. I enjoyed the company.” She bumped his arm with her side.
“Me too.” He actually had considered holding her hand in the movie theater, but he didn’t want to come on too strong and scare her away.
“What are your plans for Thanksgiving next week?”
“I assumed I was going to my mother’s house. Why?”
“How about you come to my house for dinner and then go to your parents’ house for dessert.”
He stopped moving and faced her. “You want to spend Thanksgiving with me?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Her expression was incredulous. “Besides, didn’t you once tell me that your mom doesn’t like to cook so she doesn’t even make a turkey on Thanksgiving?”
“That’s true.”
“So enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving with me and my family.”
“I’d love to.”
“Great.” Her smiled widened. “I’ll find out what time we’re eating and let you know.”
They made their way to his car and talked about old friends as he drove her to her mother’s house. When they arrived, he walked her to the door.
“Thank you for tonight,” she said.
“You’re welcome.”
To his surprise, she wrapped her arms round his middle and hugged him. He closed his eyes and breathed in the flowery scent of her shampoo. Or maybe it was her perfume.
“Good night,” she said before slipping in the door.
Drew felt as if he were floating on a cloud as he drove home and pondered how he could convince her to stay.
He was still contemplating his predicament of losing Kacey when he sat down in front of the laptop in his office. He powered up the job website and began searching for teaching positions.
He sat up straight and sucked in a breath when he found a posting for a music teacher in Charlotte. Then he clicked on the position and began to apply.
“Happy Thanksgiving!” Kacey sang as she opened the front door and found Drew standing on her mother’s front porch the following week.
He looked handsome dressed in chinos, a plaid button-down shirt, and a black leather jacket.
“Happy Thanksgiving to you.” He handed her a serving dish. “I brought mashed sweet potatoes with marshmallows. You might have to warm them up in the oven.”
“Thank you,” she said as she motioned for him to come inside.
The delicious smells of turkey and all the trimmings washed over them as Kacey and Drew walked into the family room.
“Have you ever met Travis’s parents?” she asked Drew.
