Page 27 of Harvest of Love
“I feel like I’ve known him for a long time. You were always bringing him up, and now that I get to meet him, he’s just as you described—smart, calm, kind.”
Dustin joins our conversation, and I brace for his usual ribbing, but he surprises me. “I think this guy is good for you. He seems like he knows what he’s doing.”
“Not to mention that the man is utterly in love with Daisy,” Derek adds as our circle widens. “Did you see the way he looked at her? Sure, there was desire, but there was also that steady gaze I’ve seen in Holly when she looks at me.”
Holly slips into the group and gives her husband a playful shove. “Yes, I make googly eyes when I look at you, love.” She plants a quick kiss on his cheek while their daughter makes a dramatized “ugh”.
Everyone laughs. Joy and merriment fill the room.
“Very well,” Dad says, smiling. “Now that two of my three children have found their partners, the only thing we can do today is to give thanks for all the blessings—and for Dustin to find someone who loves him as Derek and Daisy have found theirs.”
Dustin’s jaw tightens as he looks Dad in the eyes. I can see a million things he wants to say, but he swallows them, unwilling to ruin the beautiful moment.
“If you don’t mind me taking over for a moment,” Manny says, turning to Dad, “let’s be grateful not only for the love between the couples here, but also for the love between siblings and parents with their children.”
Mom gets giddy with delight. Dad exhales and pulls Dustin into a hug. Derek lifts his daughter and showers her with kisses.
My Manny has effectively steered us away from family drama.
“You’ll be thoroughly rewarded when we get home,” I whisper in his ear.
My heart skips at the word I chose. I consider backpedaling—I don’t want Manny to think I’m overstepping—but then his lips brush my ear, and he murmurs, “You beat me to it, bebé. I want to make a home with you.”
“You better stop talking like that, or you’re going to make me do very indecent things in my parents’ house,” I warn, digging my nails into his side.
“I can’t wait,” he says, licking my earlobe, and I swear my knees go weak.
I’m delighted that this Thanksgiving is turning out to be my favorite holiday of all time, but I’m desperate to get Manny alone, to show him how thankful I am that he’s mine—and I’m his.
Chapter 9
Manny
Very few moments in my life have made me as anxious as meeting Daisy’s family. My heart pounded as I walked in and found every pairof eyes fixed on me, like they were ready for blood. But the second I started talking about her—about what she means to me—the nerves eased. There was no way anyone could object to what we have.
“I’m so grateful you’re here, Manny,” she tells me as I help set the different dishes on the table.
“I’m grateful you said yes,” I say, and that gorgeous smile I love curves across her lips. “When do you think is a good time for us to head out?”
“You stole the words from my mouth.” She grins, already guessing what I had in mind. “Maybe after we help clean up in the kitchen we can say our goodbyes. My family doesn’t do much after dinner.”
I nod, relieved. Thank God we won’t be stuck here much longer. My body aches to get her alone, to have her tight little body under mine.
By the time we finish, the sun is setting. Turkey, veal, three kinds of stuffing, a full salad bar, and the best pecan pie I’ve ever tasted—but nothing compared to the company.
Once the last plates clatter in the sink, I roll up my sleeves and let the warm water run.
“Manny, what are you doing?” Daisy’s mom rushes in, eyes wide.
“Just rinsing before putting them in the dishwasher.”
“Absolutely not. You’re our guest of honor.” She flutters her hands to shoo me away.
I stay firm. “Please—let me help. This might be our first meeting, but I’d like to think I’m more than just a guest.”
Her expression softens as the meaning sinks in. She squeezes my shoulder. “Thank you, Manny. I’m so grateful my daughter met you.” Then she turns to pull out stacks of holiday-themed Tupperware.
“I can’t remember—when is your son coming back?”
