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“Thanks.” Sarah leaned close and whispered, “How embarrassing.”
He murmured “Only if you care what others think.”
She took a deep breath and turned back to where the rest of his family gazed at her like she was a circus clown at a business meeting.Be brave. She smiled at Dan’s dad, seeming to catch him off guard as he nodded back.
Helen gave a thin smile. “That’s an…er, unusual blouse, Sarah.”
Sarah rubbed damp hands down the sleeves of the paisley silk top. Admitting that she’d found another goodwill treasure didn’t seem like it would go over too well right now. “I wasn’t expecting it to have attachment issues.”
Silence. Then quiet chuckles from Dan and Sam.
Helen looked like she didn’t know whether to smile or frown. “Excuse me while I go finish preparing.”
Sarah stood. “Would you like some help?”
“No, thank you, dear.” Dan’s mother disappeared.
Sarah sank uncertainly back on the lounge. Didn’t Helen like her? Dan picked up her hand, kissing the back of it before leaning close to her ear. “Don’t take it personally. My mom never admits to needing help.” He smiled. “Kinda reminds me of someone else who once told me she didn’t need help. Remember?”
Oh. “That was a long time ago.” She smiled, relaxing into the assurance she saw in the depths of his eyes.
The conversation veered to the stock market, real estate, and other money-focused things. Sarah perched on the edge of the seat as she watched the family interact. It was so different to her family dynamics. Everyone here was very serious, polite to the point of coldness. Dan and Sam seemed to be the only ones with a sense of humor. How had they managed to escape being so starchy?
Dinner was announced and they were ushered into the dining room, Dan seating her next to him. The table was set with a linen tablecloth and napkins, special pieces of crockery, and an abundance of cutlery and wine glasses that produced an expensive-soundingtingwhen she bumped one accidentally. A huge turkey sat in pride of place in front of Dan’s father, surrounded by assorted fragrant dishes begging to be devoured—or photographed for a food magazine.
Andrew Walton cleared his throat and glanced around the table. “Thanksgiving is a time to remember things that we are thankful for. But please, keep it shorter this year.”
He shot Sam a look that made her wonder just how thankful he’d been on previous occasions. Dan’s hand found hers under the table as people started sharing. This was a nice custom, and she was grateful for so many things. When it was Sarah’s turn, she murmured something about being thankful to have the opportunity to come to Canada and find hope and healing. She squeezed Dan’s hand. It was his turn now.
“I’m thankful for meeting Sarah.” A beat. “She’s an amazing woman, and I hope you’ll all grow to love her as much as I do.”
* * *
Whoa.He hadn’t meant for that to slip out just yet. Had intended something far more romantic and private. But there was just something about how right she looked next to him at the family table with his loved ones looking on.
He glanced at Sarah. Her eyes widened, then her gaze faltered. His words had taken her by surprise as much as everyone else at the table. He bet his cheeks were as red as hers. Oh well. No one would be in any doubt now about how he felt.
* * *
Sarah foughtfor self-control as her heart pulsed wildly, joy threatening to burst out in disbelieving laughter. Dan loved her? Was he for real? Despite her messed up life and the constant challenges she sent his way, he loved her? She squeezed his hand, felt his fingers slip through hers, and listened with half an ear as Sam finished sharing something.
Luke cleared his throat. “Marguerite and I are very thankful”—he paused, as if waiting for a drum roll—“for the new addition that will be joining our family in May next year.” He sat back, the huge, proud smile on his face echoed in every face around the table. Obviously this was the place for big announcements, and it seemed this reallywasconsidered good news, unlike the startled looks that had greeted Dan’s statement.
Sarah smiled across at Marguerite, mouthingcongratulations. How special! What a blessing. What a joy—
Her smile froze. Gladness teetered, then nose-dived. Her gaze fell. Dan might never be able to make that same joy-filled statement if she remained in his life.
“Sar, would you like some cranberry sauce?” Dan asked, holding out a gold-rimmed white saucer filled with rich red fruity goodness.
She nodded automatically, swallowing past the heartache in her throat. “Thank you.”
The roast turkey and side dishes were delicious, the conversation pleasant enough, but the rest of the day was a struggle as she battled the irrational jealousy that kept spiking whenever she glanced at Marguerite.Just smile. Talk. Breathe. Act normal.But it was getting harder by the minute.
She felt as fragile as glass, ready to shatter if someone looked at her the wrong way. Plates emptied as the conversation continued, and a dull thump began in the back of her head. She sipped her water.God, I really need Your grace right now. This is so hard.
“That was delicious, Mom. Thanks.” Dan smiled across at his mother.
Sarah nodded. “Thank you, Mrs. Walton.”
