Kyler throws his head back and bursts out laughing. “Holy shit, this is insane. I can’t believe they did this.” He pulls me into his arms and kisses me. “At least we know our parents approve of our relationship. Now I hope and pray your son will be happy to have me around.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see the curtains shift in the bay window. Logan is there and waving excitedly at Kyler. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about.” Taking his hand, I pull him toward the door. “Come on, let’s eat.”
When we get inside, both of our fathers talk football at the dining room table, and our mothers are exchanging recipes in the kitchen. Logan rushes over and hugs us both. “Happy Thanksgiving, Kyler.”
Kyler hugs him back and ruffles his hair. “Happy Thanksgiving to you too, buddy. Want to play some football after dinner?”
Logan beams. “You know it.”
“Is everyone ready to eat?” my mother calls out. She sets the turkey in the middle of the table, and we all gather around and take our seats. Once we’re all seated, she smiles at us all. “Since we’re celebrating Thanksgiving this year with new people, I thought we could start a new tradition.”
I lean in close to Kyler. “I have no clue what she’s doing,” I whisper to him. He grips my hand under the table and squeezes.
My mother continues. “I thought we could go around the table and have each person mention something they’re thankful for.”
Kyler’s mom gasps. “What a lovely idea.”
My mom flourishes a hand toward her. “Anne, why don’t you start us off then.”
Anne stands and holds a hand over her heart. “I’m thankful to have another wonderful year with my family. Who knows, maybe us all getting together for Thanksgiving will continue again next year.” She grins at Kyler and me, and I can’t help but smile.
Kyler’s dad holds up his glass of sweet tea. “I agree with my wife. I’m thankful to have another year on this earth to spend it with my family, but I’m also thankful for football.”
My father taps the table. “Here, here.” We all laugh, and my father stands. “I’m just grateful to have my daughter and grandson close by. If I could have a Thanksgiving wish, it would be for them to stay.”
I look over at Logan, and he nods. “I wish that too, Poppy.”
My mother raises her hand. “Me too. Although I am thankful for the time you’ve been here with us,” she says to me.
Everyone looks in my direction, and I shake my head. “You guys sure know how to put me on the spot.” I tug Kyler’s hand, and he stands up with me. “When Logan and I moved back here, it was only going to be temporary. That is until an unlikely someone threw my world in for a loop.”
Kyler chuckles. “The same goes for you. You made it so difficult on me.”
Everyone laughs around us. “I’m thankful for a lot of things this year. My parents are happy and healthy. I have a wonderful son who brings joy to my life,” I say, blowing a kiss to Logan, “And I have you,” I say to Kyler. “I never thought happiness like this existed. You have truly made me see life in a totally different way.”
Kyler drapes an arm over my shoulders. “I never thought I could be this happy either. And I’m thankful to get a second chance. I look forward to seeing where it leads us.”
I kiss his cheek and smile. “So do I.”
Everyone claps, and my mother has tears in her eyes. “Let’s dig in, everyone. And for dessert, we have pumpkin pie and carrot cake.”
Logan pumps his fist in the air. “The best Thanksgiving ever.”
Kyler looks at me, and I nod. “Yes, it is. The first of many.”After dinner, Kyler and Logan played football until the sun went down. I helped my mom clean up the kitchen, and before we left to head to my house, she gave us an entire carrot cake and a pumpkin pie.
My stomach can’t take anymore, but I scoop the last bite of pumpkin pie and whipped cream onto my fork. “You can do it, Mom,” Logan teases.
Kyler laughs and watches my struggle. “I can’t let it go to waste,” I say, trying to take a deep breath. “I got too full watching that last episode of Cobra Kai.”
Logan jumps off the couch and kicks his legs in the air like he’s the karate kid. “That show is freaking awesome. I can’t wait for the next season.”
Kyler agrees with a nod. “Me too, buddy. Thanks for letting me watch it with you and your mom. I know it’s yours and her thing.”
Logan shrugs. “I don’t mind. It can be our thing now.”
Seeing them interact makes me want to cry. I finish the last bite of my pie and set the plate on the coffee table. “It’s getting late, sweetheart. Why don’t you get ready for bed?”