you?”
“Absolutely.” Earl grinned back. “But that’s what made us magic. You bring out the best in Aidan, and I have to say, I’ve never seen you look so happy.”
She blushed. “I am happy,” she replied, as the doorbell sounded. Everyone seemed occupied, so Stella went to greet the newcomer…
…And found a trim woman in her seventies standing on the front porch with a pie dish in her hands.
“Hello,” the woman said, smiling. “I’m Betsy. Hank’s friend, from bridge club.”
Stella blinked in surprise. “Come on in!” She stood aside, and ushered the woman into the house, just as Aidan appeared with a dried branch in one hand, and a candlestick in the other. “This is Betsy,” Stella said meaningfully. “Hank’s friend.”
“Great to meet you.” Aidan met Stella’s eyes, clearly just as surprised as she was.
“Don’t let the rabble scare you off.” Hank came to collect Betsy; chivalrously taking her coat. “Can I get you a drink at all?”
“That would be lovely.” Betsy beamed at him, and they strolled off, arm-in-arm.
“Well… It looks like his mystery woman is a mystery no more.” Stella laughed. “Do you think she realizes what she’s getting herself into?”
“If she doesn’t, she’ll find out soon enough.” Aidan grinned, as Matty came rushing in. “Did you hear?” he asked excitedly. “Aidan says the boat will be ready to take out on the water this week.”
“Just in the harbor,” Aidan added quickly. “If it turns out she’s not seaworthy yet, we don’t want to have to swim too far to shore.”
“That’s great.” Stella smiled. “But you’ll need to remember your life-jacket.”
“Obviously.” Matty rolled his eyes, and dashed out again.
“So, how are those cranberries coming?” Aidan asked, teasing. “Everything you dreamed about this morning?”
Stella blushed as she remembered their morning under the sheets. “Shhh,” she whispered.
He smiled back, irresistible. “You know, I was thinking,” he began, sliding his hands around her waist. “When Matty leaves for Hillcrest… What would you say to me moving in, while he’s away? To see how it goes…”
Yes.
Every cell in her body screamed the answer, but Stella smiled playfully. “Are you sure you want to deal with all the chaos?” she asked. “Muddy boots, and hairy beasts?”
“Who are you calling hairy?” Aiden teased.
Stella laughed. “If you can handle it, then… Yes.” She took a deep breath. “Always yes.”
He kissed her softly, and Stella sighed happily against him. Even in the bustle of the house, everything melted away when he touched her like this. She could have kissed him forever, and never come up for air, but suddenly, a whistle came from out back.
“Time to eat!”
They all took their seats outside, crammed around the trestle tables, passing dishes and jugs around. There was more food than even Matty knew what to do with. “Pace yourself,” Stella advised him, smiling as he filled his plate with three different kinds of potato: mashed, roasted, and whipped with marshmallow.
“She’s right,” Jackson added, from his other side. “There’s an art to it.”
“Meats first,” Luke agreed, passing the gravy. “Leave the snacks for later—”
“—And sides will only slow you down.” The rest of them chorused in unison.
Stella exchanged an amused look with Alice and Natalie. “Do all your family traditions revolve around food?” she asked.
“Pretty much,” Aidan said, giving Matty a wink. “Don’t worry, you’ll learn soon enough.” He helped Matty reorganize his plate, Kinsella-style, and Stella felt that glow again. The family had absorbed Matty into their ranks without a second thought, and watching them all together, Stella realized that she hadn’t just found a partner in Aidan, but a family, too. A noisy, sprawling, affectionate family who would make her son feel right at home.
It was more than she’d ever imagined.
“Now here’s my favorite part of the meal,” Frances announced, smiling around the table. “It’s time for everyone to share what they’re thankful for. I’m grateful to be with all my family for the holiday. Old and new,” she added, giving Stella and Matty a smile.
“I’m thankful that Archie is finally trained.” Cassie spoke up. They all laughed. “And for my family and friends,” she added, smiling at Wes.
“I’m grateful for this food,” Chase spoke up. “And that Tish could make it back to town in between her high-powered meetings.”
Letitia grinned. “And miss your pie-eating contest later? Never.”
It was Aidan’s turn, and he paused. “Well…” he said, giving Stella a tender smile. “I’m thankful for two stubborn alpacas… And a town that is obsessed with throwing festivals… And the faulty AC unit back at the house. Everything that brought