As everyone greeted each other and found their seats, I marveled at the scene before me.A year ago, I spent Thanksgiving alone.I’d never have dreamed of this—my house full of people, laughter echoing off the walls, Olivia by my side, our child growing inside her.
“Before we start, I...I'd like to say something, if that's okay.”
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to me.I licked my dry lips and looked toward Olivia.She smiled encouragingly and my nerves settled.
“I just wanted to thank you all for being here today.This is the first Thanksgiving in our home, and it means more than I can say to have you all here to share it with us.”I paused and swallowed.“This time last year, my life was very different.I was—well, let's face it, I was a grumpy bastard who didn't let anyone get close.”
Laughter rippled through the room, and the knot in my stomach loosened.
“But then Olivia came into my life,” I continued, my eyes locked on hers, “and everything changed.She showed me what it means to open your heart, to let people in.And now”—I saw tears glistening in Olivia's eyes, matching the ones forming in my own—“now we're about to start a family of our own.”
Everyone turned to Olivia whose hands lay on her stomach.Then the room erupted into chaos as everyone rushed to congratulate us.Wick was the first to reach his sister, wrapping her in a hug that lifted her off her feet.
“I'm gonna be an uncle!”he whooped, spinning her around before setting her down gingerly.“Shit, sorry.I shouldn't spin the pregnant lady.”
Olivia laughed, her eyes shining with happy tears.“It's okay, Wick.The baby's fine.We're both tough.”
Meghan and Callie descended next, peppering her with questions about due dates and nursery plans.Meanwhile, I was engulfed in a group hug with Marco and Emmett.
“Congrats, man,” Emmett said, clapping me on the back.“You're gonna be a great dad.”
“Yeah, who would've thought?Marco said.“The grumpy asshole, domesticated at last.”
I rolled my eyes.“Watch it, Rossi.”
My father approached, his eyes misty.He pulled me into a tight embrace, his voice gruff with emotion.“I'm proud of you, Son.Your mother would be over the moon.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I croaked, my voice hoarse with emotion.“That means a lot.”
As the excitement died down, I returned to Olivia's side.She was beaming, one hand resting on her belly as she chatted with Ellie and Meghan.I slipped an arm around her waist and kissed her temple.
“You okay, Sunny?”
She nodded, leaning into me.“More than okay.This is perfect, Carter.I love you.”
“I love you too.”
As we dug into the meal, the room filled with the buzz of conversation.I watched as my father engaged in an animated discussion with Ellie about pie recipes, while Marco regaled his end of the table with tales of his latest business venture.
Even Robert seemed to have mellowed, listening politely as Emmett explained some new development at Price Industries.It wasn't perfect—there was still a slight tremor in his hands, and his eyes occasionally darted to the bar cart—but it was better than I'd feared.
I looked around the table, taking in the faces of our makeshift family.This, I realized, was what I'd been missing all those years.This sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than myself.It was a warm cozy feeling, like being hugged from the inside.
Olivia caught my eye and gave me a questioning look.I just smiled and shook my head.Some emotions were too big to fit words around.
The meal progressed, plates being cleared and refilled, wine glasses topped up—except for Olivia's, which I'd filled with sparkling cider.
She was in her element, laughing and chatting with our friends and family.The soft glow of the candles on the table highlighted the curve of her cheek, the sparkle in her eyes.God, she’s beautiful.
As the night wore on, the party moved to the living room.Plates of pie were passed around, coffee and tea were served.I drifted between groups, catching snippets of conversation here and there.
I paused by the fireplace, where Robert stood alone, nursing a cup of coffee.He looked lost and somehow diminished.
“Everything okay, Robert?”I asked, moving to stand beside him.
He started slightly, as if he'd been lost in thought.“Oh, Carter.Yeah, I'm...I'm fine.”
I nodded, not pushing.We stood quietly together, watching the flames dance in the fireplace.
