them after today. He’d overheard Nellie and me on the phone when she called me last week, letting me know her parents were upset she hired a second full-timer, as they felt like they weren’t pulling their weight at the shop. I suggested they dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus every weekend after Thanksgiving.
I love how thoughtful he is, but even more so, I love that he hears me, and he knows what’s important to me without me even having to tell him.
“He loves Harry Potter, and I’m sure he’ll grow out of that phase soon, so I’ll get him some merchandise.”
“Soccer and basketball,” Jenny suggests.
“And we’re going to learn to ice skate and do some skiing as well.”
“See, you just spent a grand on things they’ll love for a few months and then toss aside while you’re clipping coupons to save ten cents on tampons. Isn’t motherhood grand?” I love that she acts like they’re a bother but looks at them like they set the sun.
She scoffs, “I suppose it is,” and winks. “You’ll see...one day.”
I ignore her comment, even though it fills me up with something like butterflies. “I am so happy to be back in Holiday Springs.”
She nods to the window. “Well, I’m glad, too. I’m even more ecstatic that you’re head up your ass in love with someone…” Her voice trails off. “Wait, is that—? There’s two of them?”
My jaw drops. I’m not sure if I should laugh out loud or scream. “They’re not only twins, they’re identical twins.”
“The vicarious whore in me is begging you to see what that would be like. Please tape it!”
“Jenny!” I gasp, softly punching her arm.
“Don’t worry about it. The whore in me, unfortunately never wins like I wish she would. And even if I could wave a wand and make it happen for the three of you, there’s no way I could. I’ve known you all my life, and these past couple weeks, you’ve been simply glowing.”
I inhale deeply through my nose and exhale slowly. “He loves me. I believe this will work out just fine.”
“Say it again, for the voices of doubt in the back,” Jenny jokes.
“He loves me. I believe it will all work out.”
“Now go get your man.”
I can feel the tension in the air. I swing my gaze back to the Graham family, with mine following suit.
“Is that Raff or Arthur carrying that baby seat?”
“That’s Raff.”
We watch as Raff mouths something, and his twin turns around, nods, and walks back to the car, taking the carrier with him.
Nathaniel leads the others to the door and four people, plus a little pink bundle, move toward the entrance. Raff runs his hands through his hair, and by the looks of it, he’s been doing that a lot since he and Nathaniel left the house.
His eyes meet mine, and he shakes his head.
“I think he needs a drink.” I start to walk away, opening the liquor cabinet.
“Make it three,” Jenny calls after me. “Oh, hell, grab yourself one, too.”
Nathaniel calls my name. I stop and turn around, straightening my sweater. Smiling brightly, I walk over to Raff’s family.
“This is Nikki.” Nathaniel grins proudly. “Nikki, this is Uncle Arthur, Grandma Emma, and Grandpa Sam. And this is my cousin, Grace.”
“It’s so nice to meet you all. Happy Thanksgiving.”
“She’s very sweet, Nathaniel,” Emma says, beaming.
“Looks a lot like your mom,” Sam adds under his breath.
“Hey there, Nikki, I’m Arthur. Whatever you’ve heard about me is true. But things have changed, Grace can attest.” He holds out his hand, and I shake it. The fact that he looks exactly like Raff may take some getting used to.
“I’m sure you’re all hungry and tired. Everyone should be here shortly. Just make yourself at home.”
Emma smiles politely. “I’d like to freshen up. I’m sure we all would.”
“Of course! How about you head upstairs?”
Arthur ruffles Nathaniel’s hair. “You mind chilling with Grace, so that I can grab a quick shower?”
Nate takes the carrier. “No problem.”
As soon as they walk away, Nate looks at me. “Dad’s been polite, but I’m guessing he had no idea that Grace existed.”
“And how do you feel about that?”
He shrugs. “Feel bad for him for not knowing, but excited I have a cousin. All of my friends have siblings and cousins. I’ve always wanted that, too.”
I give him a squeeze. “Then let’s be thankful and grateful for everything today.”
Raff moves behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and setting his chin on my shoulder. “Thankful and grateful for