Page 63 of The Mistletoe Bluff
“I know it’s Christmas and not Thanksgiving,” Jameson began once Elsie was seated, and he took her hand in his. “But this is the first holiday we’ve all been together like this. I’d love to start the meal with each of us saying one thing we’re thankful for.”
I expected there to be complaints, especially from Emma since she loved to eat almost as much as she loved severe weather, but to my surprise she sat there silent, a smile on her face.
“I’ll go first,” Elsie said. “I’m thankful for this handsome man next to me that I get to spend the rest of my life with, and for this table of friends, both old and new, making this life feel a lot less lonely.”
The smile that Jameson gave her was brighter than the sun. “And I’m thankful for this beautiful woman I get to fall in love with a little more each day, and for family and friends that are healthy andhere.” He gave a meaningful look at Emma.
Emma smiled, her eyes glassy again. “I’m thankful for incredible people in my life who love me no matter what, no matter how far away I am.” Jameson squeezed his sister’s hand.
Everyone turned to Oliver next. His throat bobbed as he swallowed. “I am thankful for…” He hesitated before looking at me. “I’m thankful to have the chance to know this incredible woman beside me.” His hand found my knee under the table. “To enjoy her company and find reasons to bring that beautiful smile to her face.”
I swear I heard Emma and Elsie swooning.
Iwas trying not to swoon over his words.
My face heated as I looked around the table. I wasn’t sure what to say. Of course, I was thankful for my cousins and Elsie. Each of them had played a role in walking me out of the dark times in my life.
All three of them had proven that there were people out there that wouldn’t leave me—even if I still struggled to believe it sometimes. I didn’t know where I’d be without Jameson’s quiet, unconditional support, or Elsie’s soft but fierce way of loving me, or Emma’s protective nature. Though I still had healing and growing to do, I wouldn’t be who I am—or maybe evenhere—without them.
I had so many things to be thankful for, but it was all too much to put into words.
And then there was Oliver. I was thankful for his belief in me, his kisses, and how I felt safe in his arms as he held me in his Jeep during the snowstorm. He made me feel loved and wanted even though I had tried to keep my walls up.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized Oliver reminded me of my friends. He supported me in both the big and small, quiet ways. He kept pulling me back to him, even when I was afraid of getting closer. Oliver pushed me to take steps of faith without throwing me to the wolves or allowing me to get hurt in the process.
And in that moment, as I looked at Oliver, I realized two things.
The first was that he did not hate me at all. In fact, he very much looked like he might love me.
And the second was that I was afraid that I might feel the same.
But I couldn’t say any of that. It was too heavy. Too much.
Iwas too much. Such a declaration would ruin this dinner that was meant for spending time with friends.
So, instead, I said, “I’m thankful for all of you.”
A beat of silence followed in which you could’ve heard a pin drop.
Had I said something wrong?
Jameson cleared his throat a moment later, before lifting his wine glass. “To love, family, and new beginnings.”
Everyoneplinkedtheir glasses together before taking a drink. Then we all dug into the food.
“How’s college, Emma?” Elsie asked through a mouthful of food. “You graduate soon, right?”
Emma’s face lit up. “Yep! It’s been great. I love it so much. The classes are fascinating, and once I graduate in the spring, I found a paid internship accompanying some storm chasers when tornado season starts.”
The blood drained from Jameson’s face. “I’m sorry, what?”
Emma rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, Jam-Jam. I’ll be fine. We stay at a distance, so I won’tactuallybe in any danger.”
“Have you discussed this with mom?”
She snorted. “Of course not. She doesn’t need that kind of stress.”
“So, you admit it’s something to stress about.”
