Page 65 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
“I’ll help you.”
“How?” Holly’s brows rose.
“He’ll spoon feed you,” Deidre chimed in.
“No, Rhett won’t.” Holly’s head shook so vehemently, her hair swung side to side. “That’s so embarrassing. I’m not a baby.”
“Then I’ll do it,” Deidre offered.
Holly frowned. Her gaze darted back and forth between Deidre and me. “Fine,” she grumbled. “Rhett can feed me.”
“Thank you for the opportunity, your grace.”
She narrowed her eyes at me.
I winked.
We worked to get the food on the table, ready to resume our Thanksgiving dinner.
When the last serving dish was placed on the table, Deidre sat in her chair. I leaned down and planted a kiss on Deidre’s cheek. “Happy Thanksgiving, Dee. Thank you for letting me come.”
Holly jerked her head back. “Since when do you call my mom ‘Dee’?”
I shrugged. “Since she asked me to.”
Holly eyed her mom with suspicion. Deidre stared right back, daring Holly to say more about it.
“When was that?” Holly asked.
“At our Sunday brunch,” Deidre said. “Rhett and I had quite a lovely conversation while you were fighting with Trevor and Noah.”
Holly groaned. “Can we not talk about that right now?”
“Agreed,” Trevor said, sitting to Deidre’s right. “Let’s eat.”
Holly turned her torso, facing the table while keeping her hands under the running water. “Before we carve the turkey, we go around and say three things we’re grateful for.”
I smiled. “I can handle that.”
“I’ll start,” Deidre said. She sat up straighter in her chair. The light from the gold chandelier above us reflected off her bald head. “I’m grateful for Trevor and Holly. You’ve both taken such good care of me this year. I’m grateful for doctors who want me to get better, and I’m grateful for new friends who bring light into our lives.” At that, she lifted her glass to me.
My heart swelled. I shared her sentiment. “Here, here!”
“I’ll go next,” Trevor said. He rubbed a hand along his neck. “I’m grateful for family, work, and friends.”
Holly shot him an annoyed look. “You say that every year, and you always act like it’s so hard for you to admit it. Dig deeper, Trev. I know you can do it.”
He glared at her. “Shut up and go.”
“Gladly.” She smiled smugly. “I’m grateful for family as well, because every year that goes by, I realize how much I need you all. Bratty brother included.” She shot a triumphant grin at Trevor. “I’m grateful for unexpected friendships.” She flashed me a smile that made my chest inflate like a blimp floating across the sky. “Last, I’m grateful for growth. It’s really painful sometimes, but I appreciate the opportunities we gain because of it and how much stronger we are afterward.”
My eyes widened. “Does this mean you’re thankful for everything I’ve asked you to do the past two months?”
“Maybe,” she drew out the word.
Holly had made a lot of strides since we first met. Every growth opportunity she’d taken increased the level of awe and admiration I had for her. Really, was it any wonder I was falling for her? “My turn?” I cleared my throat. “First, I want to thank you again for welcoming me into your home today. You’ve made me feel like family, and I appreciate that. I’m thankful for the people in my life who cheer me on, no matter what mistakes I make along the way. I’m thankful for friends, old and new. And I’m thankful for modern medicine that helps us physically and mentally.”
“Those are all excellent things to be grateful for,” Deidre said, looking at the three of us. Her blue eyes, just like Holly’s, were bright and happy. “Trevor, I think we’re ready. If you’ll do the honors.”
