Page 74 of Seal the Deal

She doesn’t realize it yet, but she’s already mine. And tonight I’ll make sure she knows it.

***

As we all gather around the table, the energy in the room shifts from playful banter to something more meaningful. The table is packed, brimming with plates of turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, all the trimmings.

Claire’s gone all out, and the warm scent of roasted turkey and spices fills the room. I look around at everyone—my friends, Charlie, the kids—and I can’t help but feel a swell of gratitude.

This is what it’s all about. Family, found or otherwise.

Ryan’s sitting at the head of the table, looking every bit the proud dad-to-be as he glances over at Claire, who’s glowing in that way pregnant women do. He’s older and has been my rock since I joined the Storm. We’ve shared a lot of highs and lows, and seeing him so settled with Claire makes me think maybe there’s hope for me yet.

“Alright, everyone,” Ryan says, raising his glass. “Before we dig in, I just want to say how thankful I am to have all of you here. This year’s been a lot, but having you guys has made all the difference.”

There’s a murmur of agreement around the table, and I catch Charlie’s eye, giving her a small smile. She’s beside me, close enough that our knees brush. I reach for her hand under the table, loving how her fingers curl into mine. Natural. Right. Like her hand belongs in mine.

Claire nods, hand resting on her bump. “And I’m thankful for this little one on the way,” she says softly, looking at Ryan with so much love it’s almost too much to witness. “And for all of you, for being our family, especially when mine is so far away.”

Her family’s on the East Coast, and she doesn’t get to see them often, especially not during the season. She’s strong, like Charlie.

“Let’s not forget Eli and Tam,” Chase cuts in, always ready to steer the moment somewhere lighter. “Or should I say the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Parnell?”

All eyes turn to Eli and Tamara, who exchange a look before Tamara lifts her hand dramatically, the giant rock on her finger catching the light.

“Finally someone made an honest woman out of you, huh?” Zoe jokes.

“Long overdue,” I add, raising my glass.

Eli and I have been through a lot together. We came up in the league around the same time, and he’s always been the romantic of the group, always talking about finding ‘the one.’ Tamara keeps him grounded, challenges him in the best way. They’re good for each other.

“And let’s not forget the real hero of the day,” Tamara says, straight-faced. “The canned cranberry sauce. Without it, Thanksgiving would’ve been a total disaster.”

Laughter erupts around the table, Claire groaning as she buries her face in her hands. “It wasn’t that bad!”

“Oh, come on, Claire,” Tamara teases. “Your homemade sauce looked like it was plotting revenge on all of us.”

Charlie leans into me, laughing. “I had no idea cranberry sauce was such a hot topic in this country.”

Ryan grins. “It’s not Thanksgiving until someone defends the can. Tam’s just carrying on the tradition.”

Tamara lifts her wine glass with a smug smile. “And I do it with pride.”

The laughter dies down, leaving a warm, lingering glow. Claire turns to me next, her expression soft. “Jake, what are you most grateful for this year?”

I clear my throat, caught a bit off guard, but then I look at Charlie and the kids, and the answer feels easy. “Honestly? I’m grateful for family—the one I was born into, but especially the one I’ve chosen.”

There’s a moment of silence, and then Ryan raises his glass. “Well said, man. To family."

“To family,” everyone echoes, glasses clinking.

I catch Charlotte’s gaze as we sip, her smile shy but touched. Her warm hand is still in mine, and I stroke my thumb lightly over her knuckles. She glances down at our joined hands for a second, the faintest hint of color dusting her cheeks before her eyes meet mine again.

I love you.

As the conversation flows, I catch Chase laughing at something Zoe said. He’s the wildcard, but I’ve noticed the way he looks at Zoe when he thinks no one’s watching. It’s obvious he’s got a thing for her, but whether he’ll ever make a move is another story. Chase has a reputation, and I know he won’t want to screw things up with Zoe, who’s become a big part of our crew.

“So, Chase,” I say, leaning back in my chair, “you gonna tell us what you’re grateful for?”

Zoe raises an eyebrow. “Yeah, Chase, what makesyouthankful?”

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