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Patrick sighed with fake sorrow. “Really sorry, but my hands have been experiencing bad arthritis now. It’d be real painful for me. Must’ve been all those years of crackin’ my knuckles.”

“Oh, that’s just a myth,” Alyssa interrupted. “Cracking knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis. The sound is simply gas bubbles bursting.”

Patrick shot her a look. “Well, I still got bad arthritis and can’t do dishes.” Alyssa seemed to realize the high stakes of this game and quickly snapped her jaw shut. He tried not to laugh.

Kyle raised a brow. “Good one, Dad. Next?”

Aidan raised his hand. “I was training this new horse, and the bastard threw me. Now my back’s a bit messed up.”

Ethan snorted. “You’re a champion trainer, and a colt threw you?”

“Yeah, it was terrible. Harper was terrified for me, weren’t you, love?”

“Sure, Irish. Terrified.”

Kyle nodded. “Not bad. Ethan?”

“Remember how I got shot a few years back? Well, you know how when the cold weather comes in, my knee hurts like a son of a bitch? I can barely stand. Don’t think dishes would be a good idea.”

Ophelia groaned and rolled her eyes. “Unbelievable. Not one of you feels guilty about sticking Jonathan with all those dishes, huh?”

He realized then that the guys didn’t think he could bring it. The sheen of success was already carved on their faces, but they didn’t know a man didn’t get to be mayor without playing a few games of hardball. He swiped his hands together and spoke.

“Sorry, gentlemen, but I’ll have to pass on dishes. I have a call with the president in about ten minutes.”

Silence descended.

Alyssa’s eyes sparkled with mirth, and Mia clamped her lips together as if trying desperately not to laugh.

The four men at the table stared at him with shock and begrudging respect.

Kyle inclined his head. “You win, Mr. Mayor. Gentlemen, the Brillo pads are under the sink with the extra sponges. Good luck. We’re going to enjoy an after-dinner drink on the porch.”

Kyle took his wife’s hand and led her away from the mess of piles, leftovers, soiled pots and pans, and endless crystal glasses littered across the table.

Ethan shot him a glare. “You’re good, dude,” he muttered, then strode into the kitchen with a bit of a temper. Patrick cursed and then slowly followed, with Aidan trailing on his heels.

Mia winked. “And that’s why you’re going to be governor of New York.”

Alyssa laughed.

It was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard.

And in that moment, Jonathan realized this was one of the best Thanksgivings he’d ever had.

Alyssa sat outside in a comfortable rocker. The wraparound porch boasted various chairs, afghans, and a portable heater to keep guests warm on colder nights. After the kitchen had been cleaned, they feasted on dessert and settled down to watch Moana. She’s seen it many times over the years with her parents—any type of movie was acceptable in their house—but watching it with a huge family, snuggled next to Jonathan and Chloe, had been magic.

She’d watched as he tried to pick a place across the room, but Chloe had dragged him over, pushing Alyssa right next to him on the giant sectional couch. Most of the movie, she desperately tried not to focus on the hard length of his leg pressed against hers, or his shoulder an inch away, or his carved profile flickering in shadow. His ocean scent teased her nostrils, and her tummy gave maddening flutters every time he turned to her and gave that sexy half-smile.

She was beginning to break apart piece by piece.

At the end, Chloe sang the song You’re Welcome in her father’s ear, and Alyssa watched them play-fight and giggle before settling into a long chat by the fireplace. She’d sought some alone time outside, giving them privacy.

The night was still, and she wrapped her arms around her knees as she stared into the darkness, enjoying the various sounds of the night creatures coming alive to play. The screen door shut, and Mia sank down into the rocking chair next to her.

“I love seeing them like that together,” Mia commented. “He’s changed a lot. Both of them have.”

There were too many things she could say, and all would give away her heart. So she just nodded. “It’s nice to see a close father/daughter relationship. He’s sweet.”