leaving the team in excellent hands.
He was still staying in the guestroom at Holly’s house, but he was okay with that. He loved Holly and Katie and wanted to be a strong, male role model for Katie.
His legs weren’t comfortable in Holly’s small sedan, so she’d begun to drive his truck. Heaven help him. She loved his truck and took it as often as she could, even if he wasn’t traveling with her.
Today, she was driving the three of them to the Long house for their annual Thanksgiving feast. When he’d asked how this feast would be different from all the other meals they’d had there, she’d rolled her eyes and told him there would be twice as much food. He didn’t see how that was possible.
He’d been wrong.
“We’re here,” Holly called through the front door of her parents’ house.
Her dad looked up from the football game playing on the television. “Hi, pumpkin. Hey, Benjamin. Good to see you. Come on in. Boys,” he said to Hank and Harvey. “Off the couch. Let Benjamin sit there.”
The boys jumped up. “Hi, Uncle Benjamin,” Hank said. “Can I see where the bullet hit you?”
“Yeah, me too,” said Harvey.”
“Boys,” Patrick said. “We talked about this. Benjamin is not here for show and tell.”
Benjamin laughed. “It’s fine, Patrick.” He sat on the couch and the two boys took seats on either side.
Holly shook her head. “I’m going to the kitchen and see if Mom needs help.”
Lawrence snorted. “You women don’t think we know that you drink wine back there?”
Holly rattled the three bottles of wine she carried. With an upward tilt of her nose, she sniffed. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”
Benjamin grinned and watched her prance off. God, he loved that woman. He’d had no idea that’s what love was all about. While he would never forget what his father had done to him after his mother died, for the first time, he understood the depths of his father’s despair. That didn’t excuse the behavior, but understanding gave Benjamin enough closure to put his past in the past where it belonged.
“Patrick,” Diana called from the kitchen. “Please set the kids’ table up.”
He waved her off. “I will.” As soon as she disappeared behind the kitchen door, he added, “As soon as halftime starts.”
“I notice you didn’t give that answer until after your wife couldn’t hear,” Lawrence said.
“I’m not stupid,” Patrick said.
The guys laughed.
When the family gathered at the main dining room table for meals, the usual place for the kids to eat was the kitchen. However, Benjamin discovered that one of the family’s Thanksgiving traditions was that the kids got to sit at a kids’ table in the adjoining living room so they were part of the festivities.
Once everyone was seated, Patricia said, “We have so much to be thankful for this year.” She looked at Benjamin and said, “Traditionally, we go around the table, and everyone says what they are thankful for. We’ll let you go last so you’ll get an idea.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Children first,” Patricia announced.
Hank said, “I’m thankful I got Mrs. Rowe for third grade. She’s so much better than Mr. Gold.”
Harvey said, “Um…I’m thankful I got a new bike.”
Hillary chewed at a nail and thought. “I guess I’m thankful I have pretty hair.”
Her brothers began gagging and pretending to throw up.
Benjamin had to cover his mouth not to laugh.
“That’s enough,” Diana said. “And you do have beautiful hair, honey.”
“You’re next, Katie.”
“I’m thankful Mom’s in a better mood these days.”
Holly chuckled. “Me too, honey.”
“Okay adults,” Patricia said. “The children have set high standards. Let’s see what you’ve got. Robert?”
“I’m thankful I’m one year closer to retirement.”
Danny grinned. “I’m thankful my baton accidentally slipped and busted Benjamin’s taillight.”
That brought a round of laughs.
“I’m thankful the boys haven’t killed each other,” Diana said.
“But it was close a few times,” Patrick added.
“True.”
It continued around the table until it was Holly’s turn.
She took a deep breath. “I’m thankful for Benjamin. I’m thankful he lived. I’m thankful he’s here with us. And I’m thankful none of you will be fixing me up on blind dates, ever again.”
Benjamin laughed, as did the others.
“Hmm,” Benjamin said. “I’m the last one.” He tapped his chin. “Got to make it memorable, since I’m last and this is the first time I’ve done this.”
Holly leaned over. “It’s not a big deal. Don’t stress over this.”
“I’m thinking,” he said, then he snapped his fingers. “I’ve got it.” He turned toward Holly. “I’m thankful you lied to your family about