In Name Only (Pine Falls #2) - Jennifer Peel Page 0,92

partner to Grandma, never the ruler. He’d also done little things, like making sure there were always fresh strawberries, my favorite fruit, to eat in the fridge. He’d taught me how to drive, how to change a tire and the oil. He’d never raised his voice or a hand. I loved his quiet ways. It was probably why I fell in love with Brock. Brock was quiet and not overly emotive. Feelings were hard for him to talk about, but he was trying, just like Grandpa had when I was younger. Just like I think Grandpa was now, with his silent nod toward me. He was saying he saw me, and he loved me. I had no doubt.

Grandpa cleared his throat. “Welcome. Happy Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for this year.”

I looked around at everyone, and he was right. I should focus on all the good this year had brought. It had even brought the man I loved back from the dead. Only for me to kill him, metaphorically, but he had survived. And so far, as a couple, we had. That had to count for something.

“New family, new friends—”

A knock on the door interrupted Grandpa.

Grandma popped up like she was sitting in a spring-loaded chair and smiled at me. “Would you mind answering the door, Dani?”

That’s what I got for sitting closest to the door at the kids’ table. Without delay, I stood, curious as to who would be out and about on this cold, snowy Thanksgiving. It was probably Grandma and Grandpa’s tenants who lived down the road in our old house. Maybe they needed to borrow eggs or something.

Oddly, it seemed that every eye was on me. I guess we were all curious.

I reached the solid pine door in no time and opened it. I barely comprehended who was standing on the porch, his hair dusted with snow, before I found myself in the arms I’d been longing for all day.

Brock swept in and engulfed me, wrapping me up and snuggling me against his navy wool coat. Brant followed and closed the door behind them.

I had no words. I was consumed with Brock’s sandalwood scent and the way I felt at home in his arms.

Brock kissed my head. “Happy Thanksgiving, Dani.”

I pulled away enough to look up into his beautiful face which, for the first time in a long time, looked settled, even happy. “How? Why?” I couldn’t put together full sentences.

He grinned before brushing my lips with his. “I couldn’t imagine not being with you today.”

Now I was tearing up.

“I sprang him,” Brant spoke up.

My head whipped toward him, just as surprised to see him. I thought he was spending the holiday in hell with the Copelands. His twit fiancée had been bragging all over the news about how they always do Thanksgiving up at some ridiculously high-priced inn located in Virginia. If Brant was staying in the race, she was going to be a liability—she was so out of touch. I wanted to hug Brant, too, but didn’t know how Brock would feel about it. But he looked like he could use a good hug. While Brock looked refreshed, Brant looked worn and forlorn. Without another thought, I grabbed Brant’s coat and pulled him toward us for a group hug. My men didn’t hesitate and sandwiched me between them. The Three Musketeers were together again. I felt whole.

“Okay now,” Grandma called. “Now that all the family is here, let’s eat.”

I looked between Brock and Brant. They were my family. I knew then that I would do whatever I could to keep it that way, even if it meant forgiving myself and working my way back to trusting my husband.

“Happy Thanksgiving, you two.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Brock sat extra close to me at the kids’ table. Brant sat across from us. Grandpa had the two chairs just waiting for them in kitchen. Apparently, all the other adults in the room had known about our surprise visitors. It was a tight fit, but I think Brant appreciated not having to sit next to Kinsley and Tristan. There had already been furtive looks between them. Thankfully, the joy of their arrival overshadowed any awkwardness. Still, I had so many questions. Like what about Jill? Where were John and Sheridan? And what was John keeping from all of us? For now, though, I enjoyed the way Brock held my hand and kept stealing kisses. Wow, had the treatment center done him good. His eyes were bright. No demons lingered