Page 83 of Dirty Puck

I sat beside her in the sand, digging my toes in. “I’m glad. You deserve all of it.”

Her hand found mine and squeezed gently. “You’re a good girl, Bree. And this family… It’s lucky to have you.”

My throat got tight. I nodded instead of answering.

This family.It meant so much to hear.

That evening, after Benny was tucked in and Char had gone to bed, I messaged Jaycee.

B:What are you and Grant doing for Thanksgiving?

She replied right away.

J:Flying in my Pap, Gina, and Grant’s mom. Why?

B:I want to do something special. For Reece’s mom. I think this will be her last Thanksgiving. I want her to have a real one. Full of people. Full of love.

J:Say no more. We’ll be there. I’ll help you cook. I know Linc will be down. Antonov doesn’t have family nearby. Jones, Lexi, and the kids are coming too. You want a full house? We’ll give you a full house.

The little typing bubbles popped up on the screen and then:

J:Does Baker know?

B:Not yet. Wanted to run it by you first.

J:You tell him. I’ll start making lists.

Jaycee rallied the troops. It wasn’t just about a holiday. It was about giving Char one last memory wrapped in warmth and laughter and the smell of roasted turkey.

When I told Reece, he looked overwhelmed, his hand resting on the back of his neck like he was bracing himself.

“You really want to do this?”

“Yeah. I think she’d love it.”

“She will.” He stepped closer and kissed my forehead. “And so will I.”

That cinched it for me. A two-fer. I got to give both Charand Reece a holiday to remember. Who could ask for more than that?

Oh, and Jaycee didn’t lie. She jumped right into it with me, both feet and hands, ready to make this day special. When I’d entered into this agreement with Reece, I never imagined getting so many new friends out of the deal.

The house smelled like roasted turkey and sweet potatoes, like cinnamon and family. I had a smear of flour on my cheek, something bubbling over on the stove, and a dozen voices rising and falling all around me—but for once, I didn’t feel overwhelmed.

I felthome.

Jaycee stood beside me at the kitchen island, expertly carving up a pie like it owed her money. “You know,” she said, glancing around at the mayhem, “this was a damn good idea.”

LJ came barreling through the kitchen, Benny hot on his heels. Benny’s hands flapped excitedly as he reached for the bin of toys he’d set out just for LJ—his favorites. The ones he didn’t have to share.

“He’s showing him the trucks,” Jaycee said, her voice catching.

“I see.” I pressed a hand to my heart and smiled.

They flopped onto the floor together by the backdoor, LJ giggling, Benny gently placing a car into his lap. My eyes burned.

Every room was filled. Every chair was claimed. Kids were on laps, toys underfoot, drinks passed from hand to hand. Antonov showed up with a bottle of some kind of honeyed vodka and a tray of deviled eggs he’d made himself, proudly announcing,“I am Southern now!”before Lexi corrected him and told him they wereproperlyVermont eggs because she’d brought the paprika.

Lexi and Jones sent Marissa and Nicky to play withGrant’s nieces in the yard. Although several years older, they played tag with the girls. Char sat near the big picture window in the den, watching everything with tired eyes and a never-ending smile.

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