Deke reached over to take her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “I love you too.”
“Please stop. You’re making me sick, and I want to be able to eat,” Joella teased from the back, her mock exasperation making Ava and Deke laugh.
As they pulled up to the porch, Deke took a moment to survey the scene. “Looks like we’re the last to arrive. Let’s get inside before we freeze.”
Joella stepped out first, the crunch of frosted leaves beneath her boots, as she lifted Ellie from the truck and carried her toward the porch. Deke and Ava followed, their breath visible in the crisp air. The front door swung open, revealing Frank standing there, a welcoming yet impatient figure.
“Hurry up! It’s cold and you’re all late,” Frank called out, his voice carrying the warmth of family despite the chill.
“You better not have started without us,” Deke warned playfully.
“No, but you’re cutting it close,” Frank replied, ushering them in from the cold.
The warmth of the kitchen enveloped them as they shed their coats and hats. Joella helped Ellie out of her coat, and with a burst of energy, the little girl dashed off, her delighted scream echoing through the house as she spotted her Papa. Deke, Ava, and Joella followed the sound to the living room, where they found Rudy lifting Ellie into a bear hug. Deke shook Rudy’s hand firmly, then watched as Ava embraced him, the affection sincere and heartfelt. She had seen him just yesterday when he arrived, but the sight of the family never failed to bring joy.
Deke hugged Jessica warmly and proceeded to greet his brothers, Hud and Case, shaking their hands with firm familiarity, then he shook Jonah’s hand. “Hud, Case, Jonah, Dad, this is Joella Barton. She’s Ava’s best friend and Ellie was named after her. She’s also Ellie’s godmother.”
Joella’s smile was radiant as she greeted everyone, her handshake firm and friendly. They all settled into the cozy living room, the air filled with laughter and conversation, as they waited for the feast to be ready. The aroma of the turkey was irresistible, wafting through the house and setting their appetites ablaze. Deke could already taste the tender, juicy meat, and he knew he was more than ready to dig in.
****
Ava leaned over and nudged Joella’s arm with her elbow.
“Well?” she whispered.
Joella’s eyes sparkled as she took in the row of men standing at the other end of the room. The low hum of conversation drifted around them, mingling with the scent of roasting turkey and sweet potato casserole. Finally, she grinned.
“I’ve never seen so many good-looking men gathered in one place.” She bit her lip, nodding toward the tall figure by the fireplace. “And Jonah… oh, Ava, I want to jump his bones. He’s not just gorgeous, he’s downright sinfully sexy.”
Ava leaned back with a triumphant smile. “Told you.”
They all claimed their seats as steaming platters were set before them, herb-buttered rolls, cranberry relish, and green beans. The clink of forks and the soft murmur of gratitude filled the room. Golden lamps cast a warm glow over every joyous face, and Ava felt her heart swell with happiness. She took a deep breath, lifted her wine glass, and gently tapped it with the tip of her knife. The crystal chime echoed, and chatter fell away as everyone turned to her. She nervously cleared her throat.
“Since today is a day to give thanks, I want you all to know how thankful I am to have each of you in my life.” Her voice trembled with emotion as she looked directly at Deacon, whose rugged features softened in surprise. “Especially you,” she said, swallowing hard. “You came back to me, you gave me the most beautiful daughter, and I love youboth more than words can say.” She blinked away a glistening tear and watched Deacon’s chest rise in a slow, steady breath. “You are my family, my home, and I will always want to be with you.” She leaned forward and brushed her lips to his. “I love you.” She rose again, sweeping her gaze across the circle. “I love you all.”
A spontaneous chorus of applause filled the room. Chairs scraped softly on the wooden floor as they stood, one by one gathering around Ava in a warm cluster of hugs and congratulations. Deacon pressed a gentle kiss to her temple before sitting, and the feast resumed under a canopy of laughter and renewed conversation.
After the last slice of pie was devoured, Ava, Joella, and Jessica moved to the kitchen. Warm water gurgled in the sink as Jessica washed and rinsed plates, the scent of lemon-scented soap rising in bright spirals. Joella stacked mugs and silverware on the counter, along with the soft clatter of China. In the living room, the men sank into overstuffed armchairs, the flicker of the television signaling the start of the evening football game.
“I’m so glad you both made it,” Ava said over the whirl of the garbage disposal. Steam curled from the soapy water, and she savored the simple rhythm of dish duty.
“Me too,” Jessica replied, washing a platter until it gleamed. “This feels like a new tradition in the making.”
Joella winked. “I’m just thankful to see you, Ava, and all the hot men here.” She laughed.
As they finished, Ava caught sight of Jonah slipping into the kitchen. He shrugged into hissheepskin coat, the sharp lines of his shoulders relaxing. He paused beside them, hat in hand, and offered a warm smile. “It was nice meeting you, Jessica and Joella. Happy Thanksgiving.” He placed his hat on his head, touched the brim, then stepped out into the chilly night. The door closed with a soft click, leaving a ripple of cool air that carried the faint scent of snow.
“Damn, he’s so friggin’ hot,” Joella sighed, leaning against the counter.
Ava grinned. “Maybe you should move to Clifton.”
“Don’t think I wouldn’t, if it meant being near that man.”
“You could open an art gallery here,” Ava suggested.
“I could. I might have to give it some thought,” Joella mused.
With the kitchen spotless and the last towel folded, the three women crossed the threshold into the living room. Ava smiled as she saw Ellie, wrapped in a soft blanket, was fast asleep in Deacon’s lap. Ava settled beside him on the plush sofa. He reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face, and pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. As she leaned into him, she felt a profound warmth settle in her chest. In that moment, surrounded by family, love, and laughter, she knew she would always be thankful for this life they had built together.
