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Vehicles never frequented the strip of land. Hell, maybe it was bored teenagers looking for a place to get into trouble. Still, I didn’t like the idea of someone inching closer to Sullivan Farms, especially with Sylvie now living there.
“You coming or do you plan to freeze to death?” My father’s voice shook me from the dark thoughts that had started to creep in.
“Yep.” I retrieved the pie I had picked up from the Sugar Bowl and headed into the house.
The crisp autumn air clung to me as I stepped through the threshold of Lee and Annie’s home, where the savory scent of roasted turkey and simmering gravy enveloped the room. The clinking of silverware against the dishes echoed against the warm, wooden walls, and the flickering candlelight cast a soft, amber glow over the gathered family.
Penny led Dad through the house toward the living room. His once-sharp eyes were slightly distant and cloudy, but I prayedfor a good day. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness as I caught his vacant stare.
Lark and Penny’s laughter erupted from the corner, where they were entertaining Aunt Tootie with tales of schoolyard adventures. Annie’s familiar smile greeted me as she bustled about, her apron dusted with flour. She and Lee exchanged a playful look when she walked by, and he pinched her ass. Her curls bounced as she laughed and swatted him away.
My chest was tight. Sylvie’s absence was a void that gnawed at my chest. I closed my eyes briefly, imagining her laughter mingling with the others’ as her delicate fingers caressed the baby bump that had just started to form.
I wished she were here, sharing in this imperfect yet beautiful gathering. It wasn’t all that long ago I had given up on my family ever feeling whole again. Now I was wrapped up in a King, and it threatened to unravel the whole thing all over again.
I knew Sylvie was already across town, surrounded by her opulent world, likely indulging in a luxurious Thanksgiving that stood in stark contrast to the simplicity of our own.
Maybe next year.
I silently chastised myself as I took a seat amid the laughter and chatter. By next year Sylvie and our baby would be in Savannah.
Tootie placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. “How are you holding up?” Her kind eyes spoke volumes.
I frowned. “Everything is fine.”
She patted my shoulder but didn’t press the issue. My family gathered around Annie and Lee’s table. We bumped elbows and shifted dishes as we passed the food around, filling our plates.
With a roll stuffed in her mouth, Penny leaned forward. “Are you getting married?”
“Pickle...” My brother flicked his head and her eyes cast downward.
“No.” I lifted a shoulder to my brother, letting him know it was fine that my niece had questions. I knew theyallhad questions.
Penny shrugged. “That makes sense. Daddy says parents don’t have to be married. My friend Peter’s parents aren’t married either.” Her eyes brightened as she remembered more. “Oh! And Eloise from school has two moms. She says families should be what your soul needs.”
I smiled at how progressive and inclusive my niece was. “That’s a smart way to look at it.”
Wyatt took the opening as an opportunity. “Are you planning to have a joint parenting agreement?”
I shifted in my seat as I felt my family’s questions linger in the air. “We haven’t really talked about anything legally binding or formal.”
He shook his head, frowning. “You should. There needs to be something in place to protect your rights—anything so she can’t keep the baby from you or just up and move. You’d never see your kid again.”
I thought about Sylvie moving to Savannah.Was it selfish to get on my knees and beg her to reconsider?
I had planned to broach the subject with her again.Sometime soon.I couldn’t let my fears or miscommunication get in the way of being with my kid. “I would never keep her from something that was important to her. We agreed that I would help her during the pregnancy and for a few months once the baby was here. After that, we’ll reassess and make a plan.”
“What about her family? Does she come from good people?” Dad’s question hung in the air. I had yet to fully inform him that the woman I was having a baby with was a King. I wasn’t sure how he’d take it, and I was a coward.
“It’s fine.”
Lark, Tootie, and Annie held me with wide eyes at the harsh finality of my tone. Wyatt shook his head but didn’t argue with me. The only solidarity I found came from across the table, where Lee pressed his lips together and nodded.
Tension simmered across the room until Lee spoke up. “Hey, Rat...” My niece grinned across the table at her favorite uncle’s silly nickname for her. “Pass those potatoes.”
I spent the rest of the afternoon sulking in the background. I wondered if Sylvie was enjoying her day. If she would have been here had things been different in this town. I wondered if my child would ever get to experience a Sullivan Thanksgiving.
Dad got tired,and I used it as an excuse to bring him back to Haven Pines and head home early. The inky November sky stretched over the farm as I pulled down the driveway. Activity and happy voices could be heard from the section of land where my staff were still celebrating their own Thanksgivings. As I pulled down the drive, I spotted Sylvie’s car, and I parked in my spot next to it. I let Ed out and plopped Duck onto the ground. Together they meandered toward the barn, where I was sure Ed would tuck him in for the night before trudging back toward the house. Their nightly routine was like clockwork.
