Page 22 of Almost Christmas in Paradise

I lift her hand to my lips and kiss the back of it. “I love you,” I say back. “And you’ve always been the best mother.”

“I love Daddy,” Carter says.

“Dada!” Priya yells out.

Mom takes a deep breath and turns to my wife. “And now Nia.”

Chapter 19

Nia

“Me?” I say once her words register. I go so far as to point at myself.

“You’re the only Nia here, dear,” Maggie says. “And you’re one of my kids now, so of course you. The first thing I want to say is how grateful I am to have you in this family. I know our first meeting was a bit rough, and I didn’t understand it then, but I do now. I could go on and on about what a great wife you are to my son and what a wonderful mother you are to my grandchildren. You are. You’re a mom and I know you understand that all you want is for someone to love your children. Drake has found that in you, but that’s not the only reason why I’m grateful to you. You came into this family at a very fraught time, and you and Carter were exactly what we needed. That’s still not why I’m grateful to you. I’m grateful to you because of who you are. I’m happy to have a daughterwho is smart, beautiful, focused and so darn sweet. I see why my son loves you like he does. How could he not? You are a breath of fresh air at Paradise Construction and Paradise Foundation. You learn so fast, and you dove in headfirst. You’re funny and witty, and I love working with you. In the first few months, you made the place so much better. You have such good ideas, and you come up with practical ways to implement them. I don’t think you know this, but I watch you and you’re a natural leader. People are drawn to you, and that’s not something that can be taught. I know how nervous you get before a speech, but you show so much confidence when you’re on that stage. You’re mesmerizing. I’m grateful to you for making me a grandmother, and I hope you give me more grandbabies soon. I’m grateful that you introduced me to all of Mariah Carey’s greatest hits because where have I been for the last three decades?” I giggle at that. “I’m just so darn grateful that you’re a member of our family. You’re my daughter too, and I want you to know that. You’re as much my daughter as Hannah, and I love you as much as I love Drake, Langley, and Hannah.”

I sit there, stunned by her words. My vision blurs and a tear slips down my cheek. Drake wipes it for me, and that gets me out of my frozen state. I stand and approach my mother-in-law. She stands too and opens her arms. I go in. She’s taller than I am, but when she engulfs me in her arms, I feel safe.

“Thank you for saying that,” I say in her ear. I pull away, and we’re both crying. She wipes my eyes, and I do the same to her. “I want you to know that I love you too, Mom.” That makes her cry harder. “And I’m so grateful to be a member of this family. It was a rough beginning,” I admit. “But I’m happy to be here, and I’m grateful that Drake never stopped fighting for us. I’m a Paradise, and that will never change.” We hug again before Itake my seat next to my husband. I fan my face with my hands and say, “I don’t wanna cry.”

“Oh, no,” Langley says.

“I have so many emotions,” Maggie says, and we both start to giggle. “Langley’s just jealous because he doesn’t speak Mariah.”

“I don’t speak cornball,” Langley says. “Why did Nia get to go after Mom?” he asks. Maggie rolls her eyes at her son.

“I’m next,” Carter says.

“Come sit on Grandma's lap and tell everyone what you’re grateful for.” He jumps out of his chair and takes a seat on her lap.

“I’m grateful for Spiderman. I’m grateful Uncle Langley took me to see him. I’m thankful for Mommy, Daddy, Priya, Grandma, Uncle Langley, and Aunt Hannah. And for the candy that Uncle Langley lets me have.”

Langley puts a finger to his lips and says, “Shh.”

Carter giggles and covers his mouth with both hands. “Um, I mean for the broccoli he lets me have.” He giggles uncontrollably at the awful lie.

“He mentioned Langley three times,” Hannah says.

“You gotta step up your game, Han,” Langley responds. “My turn.” Langley looks at each one of us. “I’m the most grateful for these little stink monsters.” He tweaks Carter’s nose and blows a kiss at Priya. “And I’m amazed that Drake could make such cool kids since he’s so bland.”

“Oh, please,” Drake says. Carter just giggles.

“I’m grateful that Mom has one cool kid. That’s me, by the way.” When Drake and Hannah boo him, he says, “Seriously, I’m grateful for my big brother. I’m grateful he forgave me because I was a jerk to him for so long. And I’m grateful that I have two annoying little sisters now instead of just one. And I’m grateful to have the best mother in the world.” He picksup Maggie’s hand and kisses the back of it. She sheds a tear but quickly wipes it away.

“Well, this has gotten emotional,” Hannah says. “I’m grateful that we only have to do this once a year.” Her own eyes fill with tears, but they don’t fall. She takes a breath before she continues. “Um, everything that Nia and Langley have said. I’m so grateful that we have each other. You don’t know what a blessing it is to have the type of family that you want to come home to. I’m grateful to have so many people I can count on. If I ever have a problem, I can call either one of you.” She looks at each of us. “And know you’ll drop everything and be there for me. Not everyone has that, and I’m grateful that I do. I love everyone at this table so, so much.”

I wipe my own eyes, and I notice that even Langley dabs his eyes with a napkin. Maggie fans her face before she turns to my husband.

“Your turn, Drakie,” she says as she reaches across the table and rests her hand on Drake’s.

“Well,” my husband begins. “Everyone at this table knows how much I adore my wife and kids.” I feel myself blush. “It’s no surprise that I’m the most grateful for them, especially you, Nia.” When he looks at me, I feel tears pool in my eyes. “Because you’re my heart, and without you I can’t function.” I tear slides down my cheek, and he wipes it with the ball of his thumb. “I’m so grateful for this family. Mom.” He squeezes her hand. “You’ve been such a source of support to us, and I love you so much for that. For the way you not only love me, but my wife and kids. I’m grateful for Hannah. She’s only the best little sister a guy could ask for. And I’m grateful for Langley. I didn’t realize how much I missed you over the years, and I’m happy that we’re close again. And, Nia, don’t tell Ray, but Langley is killing it as an uncle.”

Langley raises his glass, and Carter copies him with his cup. “Hear, hear!” Langley cheers.

“That was beautiful, Drake,” I say.

“Yes,” Maggie says. “This is shaping up to be one of our best Thanksgivings.”

“Let’s eat,” Langley says.

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