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I rubbed my belly, grinning.
“I promised after we ate that I would call Mom and Dad. As much as I love being here, I miss them terribly.” A wave of guilt washed over me for staying in Oregon instead of flying to Tennessee.
“Of course, you do, hon. The first few holidays are the hardest. It will get better, and we’re not a replacement for your family, simply an extension.” Amelia opened the drawer, grabbed a few oven mitts, then tossed them on the granite countertop before briefly hugging me. “I always hoped that Kane would find someone to call him on his shit but would also love and support him. He needs that balance. You’re perfect for him, Brie. Coach and I couldn’t be happier for the both of you.”
“I love him.” My cheeks flamed red with my confession. I wasn’t used to discussing my private life with my boyfriend’s parents.
Amelia laughed as she turned her attention to the pies. “Do you want to get the mixer out of the drawer near the refrigerator?” She pointed me in the right direction.
Over the next half hour, I helped Amelia with the rest of the food, then set the table.
“Why don’t you tell the men and Alexandria to wash their hands. I’ll grab a few bottles of wine and sparkling cider, then we can eat.” She untied her apron and folded it, placing it on the island.
“Okay.” I hurried to the living room to let everyone know when the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” Coach said. “I thought Jon and Trisha were going to call before they dropped by, but we have plenty of food.”
I strolled to Kane, then pushed up on my tiptoes, planting a kiss on his mouth. “This is our first Thanksgiving together.”
Kane cupped my chin. “Our first together since being out of the cult. As I said, their holidays are different, but we spent twelve years in the same dining hall.”
I hesitated, hearing voices in the foyer. “At least Wagner is dead, so hopefully—”
“Hi, honey.”
I spun on my heel, not believing what I was hearing. “Mom? Dad? Oh my gosh! What are you doing here?” I rushed over, hugging them both.
“Hi, sugar,” Dad said, embracing me.
I caught Amelia out of the corner of my eye, smiling widely.
I knelt and pulled my little brother in for a hug. “And you! Oh my gosh, you’ve grown so much, Conner.”
“We missed you, so we decided to join you here,” Mom explained. “With some help from Amelia, we were able to surprise you so we could spend the day together.”
“Thank you all so much. This is amazing.” I glanced over my shoulder at Kane, who looked as happy as I felt. “You all remember Kane.”
Kane walked over to us. “It’s good to see you again, but in person and not video this time. How was the trip?”
Conner groaned. “Long. But the plane was so cool.” His eyes widened with excitement.
“Hey, who’s here?” Alexandria asked, making her way down the stairs to the foyer.
“My family.” After introductions, Coach hung up everyone’s coats, then we settled in around the table.
“The food looks wonderful. I’ll help you clean up later,” Mom said to Amelia. “It will give us a chance to chat.”
“I would love that. I’m so glad you made it on time, too,” Amelia said, patting Mom on the shoulder.
The next several hours consisted of stories about holidays, funny moments, and gossip from back home. The guys chatted football while Alexandria and Conner became fast friends.
My heart was so full I thought it might burst from my chest. Every person I loved was at the table with me. I leaned over, resting my head on Kane’s shoulder, realizing that none of this was possible without him.
“I love seeing you this happy,” he softly said against my hair.
Our gazes connected, and I nodded. “It’s all because of you.”
“You’ve got it all wrong, baby. It’s all because of you.”
