Page 141 of The Road Less Traveled By

“I’m sure whoever they are, everyone will love them. You have a gift of writing characters who feel like real people. People will love them, and if you need anyone to read your manuscript, I’m always available.”

“Thanks, Bree. I might take you up on that.”

“Fucking finally, Liv! God, it’s only taken four books for you to let me read them early.”

She elbows my side as she continues to melt the cheese in the pot. “Isn’t this amazing?” she asks me as she looks around.

“Yeah, it is,” I agree. We never had holidays like this when we were younger. Now, thanks to the West family, we’ll never know what it’s like to be alone every holiday. It feels good having people to celebrate the little things with.

Liv and I spent our entire lives alone, only spending moments with one another since our parents didn't care for us. Now, that’s changed. Who knows, if Liv and Tristan never met, what would’ve happened, but there's not a doubt in my mind that we still would’ve ended up here. Lifeis funny in that way, and I smile as I take in another holiday surrounded by love and laughter.

“I never thought holidays could be like this,” I say as tears fill my eyes.

“You know, I always thought we missed out on a big part of our childhood by not having these moments with our own family.” Liv pauses to wipe a tear from her own eye. “But today just goes to show that you can still find that family when you're older. Life doesn't end when you grow up, even though we always think it does.”

“You’re right, Liv,” I say as I lean my head on her shoulder. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Now, Tristan was supposed to set the table, but he looks busy talking, so do you mind doing it? The plates and everything are sitting on the table. You just have to put them out.”

“Yeah, I can do it.”

“And make sure to set a place for Tobias too. It’s tradition.”

I smile sadly to myself. “Of course.”

I’m halfway done setting the table when I feel a presence behind me. “Boo!”

I turn around, and my best friend's face meets mine. I grab her, squeezing her until she pushes me off. “I’m so glad you’re back. FaceTime doesn't cut it.”

“I know, I know. I’ll be here for a few days, but do you mind if I stay with you and Vince? I don't know if I can handle being here for an entire week.”

“That sounds perfect,” I say, noticing her red-rimmed eyes but opting not to ask her about it. She probably wouldn't tell me anyway or would make up an excuse as to why her eyes are puffy. Teags will tell me on her own time, just like she always does.

“Where’s mom?”

“Last I saw, she was trying to find the parade on the TV.”

“Thanks,” she says as she leaves the dining room.

“Now, you all knowthe drill,” Tabitha says as we all sit down for dinner. “One thing you’re thankful for.”

“Ugh, do I have to go first?” Teags complains.

“You’re still the youngest, so yes,” Theo tells her, and she flips him off.

“Teagen!” her mom chastises as we all laugh.

“Sorry, Mom.” She runs a hand through her hair. “I’m thankful for being here today.”

“Great. Now Theo.”

He sighs heavily before answering. “I’m thankful I only have a few more stops on Tobias’ old bucket list. I love traveling, but I’m getting tired.”

I forgot he was doing that. Tobias left them all letters after he passed, and Theo’s had Tobias’ bucket list that he never got to complete. Theo has been trying to do it for him, and he’s been all over the US. According to Tristan, he only has two or three stops left, and I think the last one is Vermont. The West family used to vacation in a small town up there, and since their dad died, they haven't been back.

It’s interesting how that’s the last stop on Tobias’ bucket list.

“That’s nice, darling.” Tabitha turns to me. “You’re up, Bree.”

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