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I inhaled and let out a slow breath, careful to keep my eyes away from Connor who was going to do his best to make me crack. My gaze landed on Autumn.
I’m thankful for that smile of hers,
Even when it’s not meant for me.
I coughed. “I’m grateful that we’re all here together, and thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Drake for having us.”
Eloquence, th
y name is Wes Turner.
Ma sniffed. “You can’t do better than that? All those beautiful words you wr—”
“Hey, Connor, how about you go next?” I said. Loudly.
“Yes, yeah, sure,” Connor said, shifting in his chair. He turned to Autumn and took her hand.
“I’m grateful for being with family, and that this amazing woman is by my side. Thank you for being here with me.”
He leaned and kissed her softly.
“I’m thankful to be here with you too. And all of you.” Autumn’s gaze swept up the rest of us before finding him again. “I’m thankful you didn’t give up when I kept saying I was too busy or too heartbroken. I’m grateful for your sense of humor when I need to laugh, and for your poetry that makes me cry.”
“Poetry?” Ma said. “Since when do you write poetry, Connor baby?”
My hands tightened into fists under the table.
“It’s just something I do on the side,” Connor said.
Mr. and Mrs. Drake shared a look I couldn’t read.
“That’s what a liberal arts college will do to a man,” Jefferson said with a wink. “Do you still play baseball or is it too rough a sport for you now?”
“Connor happens to write beautiful poetry,” Autumn said, her voice hard, her back straight. “I think a lot of issues in this country would be solved if men felt free enough to express themselves, instead of being forced to suppress their emotions under the guise of masculine prowess or strength.”
“Here, here,” Paul said, raising his wine glass.
Autumn touched Connor’s cheeks with the backs of her fingers. “Don’t ever stop writing me poems.”
“I won’t,” he said, and coughed, his gaze darting everywhere but at me.
Ma blew out her cheeks. “Will wonders never cease?” she said with a shrug. She leaned over the table toward Jefferson. “What are you thankful for, honey, besides your gorgeous fiancée?”
Jefferson’s frown vanished. “I’m proud and grateful this wonderful woman has agreed to be my wife. And I’m also truly grateful to Mom and Dad for releasing my trust at the end of this year, so that she and I can start our life together. I look forward to being a part of your business, Dad. Not only to carry on the family name, but ensure it endures for generations to come.”
Mr. Drake raised his glass. “Your mother and I share the same proud gratitude for your accomplishments and commitment to this family.
Connor drew in a breath and let it out slowly and shot me a hopeful look that I read instantly. If his parents were releasing Jefferson’s trust upon graduation, they’d likely do the same for Connor. I didn’t share the same hope.
“Okay, okay, my turn, my turn,” Ma said. “I am just so, so thankful we’re all here today. For Connor, who is like a son to me. For Victoria and Alan, who took care of my family over the years. But no words can describe how grateful I am for your latest act of generosity.”
My head whipped up. I turned questioning eyes at Connor—what the hell?—but he only shook his head—I have no fucking idea.
“What are you talking about, Ma?” I asked.
“Yes, what do you mean?” Paul asked, frowning in confusion.
“I’m talking about home. Victoria and Alan have rescued me from a lifetime of worry.”
