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We've been trying to come up with a better solution since that night. There isn't one. We can't wait any longer to tell him. I don't want to wait.
As much fun as sneaking around is—and let's be honest, it's kind of hot—we're bound to get caught, either in the act or in a lie. Max isn't stupid. He already has Craig watching Leo like a hawk and probably someone watching me. Though, he isn't exactly friendly with any of the girls I hang around with, so I can't imagine who would agree to helping him.
They either hate him because he's been a dick to him, or they hate him because he won't give them the time of day.
"Sure, Mom. Anything I can do in here to help?"
"For the millionth time, no. We have this, Evie, but I appreciate the offer."
There's a hint of laughter in her voice as she shares a look with Mrs. Graham. Unspoken words are passed between them before they each return to focusing on their respective tasks. Mrs. Graham on the potatoes and my mom on stirring the gravy on the stove.
Letting out a sigh, I grab a stack of plates and head into the dining room. Calling for Lo, I'm not surprised when both her and Finn arrive with more settings.
I place the last plate just as Mom calls everyone for dinner. Max is the last to walk into the room, taking the seat at the head of the table, my father's seat when my mom motions for him to.
Before this moment, I hadn't given much thought to who would carve the turkey or give the traditional Thanksgiving toast. It was always something my father did. His toasts were epic. They could make you laugh and cry in the same sentence. You felt his love pour from every word.
My father spoke from the heart.
Since he's been gone, Max has been stepping up, but today, I want that to be me. Just another way to show my family, Max especially, that I'm no longer a child. I may be the baby of the family, but I'm just as much of an adult as my siblings.
Rising from my chair, I reach for my wine glass filled with sparkling water and tap it with my fork. Max stares at me, crouched over his seat, in the process of standing.
"I know Dad would normally give a speech, a toast to our family and friends, but I'd like to give one this year in his place," I start as everyone gives me their full attention.
"That would be lovely, Evie." With my mom's support, Max settles into his chair, leans back, and smirks at me. A clear challenge that I have no intention of backing down from.
Clearing my throat, realization hits me. I didn't plan for this. I have nothing prepared. I'm going to have to speak from the heart and do it quickly.
"It's been a tough year to say the least. We weren't prepared to lose Dad the way we did, when we did. I don't think anyone is ever ready to lose someone they love. To feel the pain of that loss linger on for days, weeks, even months." I feel the first round of tears build up in my eyes, but I blink them away and place my hand over the center of my chest. "And although we carry him with us in our hearts, we also know life will never be the same without him here. I miss his laughter, his hugs, the way he not only supported me, but also challenged me to do better, to be better. I think about him every day and hope he approves of the choices I'm making. I can feel him watching over me, protecting me."
Across the table, I watch Lo wipe away a stray tear at the same moment I hear my mother sniffle. I know I'll break down if I look at her, so I focus my attention on Max. I stare straight into his eyes hoping he'll pick up on the underlying message I'm trying to send him.
"The thing I have to remind myself is that no matter what I do in this life, no matter which path I follow, or who I choose to walk by my side for the journey, Dad will always be smiling down on me as long as I'm happy. Because our happiness is what made him happy. Whether we run for president or work for pennies on the dollar, as long as we love what we do, love the life we live, and do it with integrity, we're living the dream he wanted for us."
The room is thick with emotion. Even Mr. Graham is blinking back tears as I look around at my family. At my extended family. Because family isn't always about blood. I heard Max say that once, and I didn't understand it until right now. You can choose who you call family.
"Dad is here with us today, just like he is every day. He's watching each of us, guiding us, caring for us the only way he can now. By living in our hearts. So today I'm thankful for the eighteen years I was able to have him in my life. For the years he spent loving me, showing me what love was, what it meant. And for the next eighteen years that I'll spend surrounded by that love every day as he walks beside me." Raising my glass toward the center of the table, I say, "To my dad, to the people he loved most, to our family, and to the next year being easier than the last. I'm thankful and blessed to have each and every one of you in my life. Cheers."
