Page 68 of One Hot Daddy

"It's incredibly generous of them," Jennifer says as we browse flights on my laptop."Though I'm a bit nervous about all the grandparents meeting in such close quarters for an extended period."

I pat her thigh."Don't worry, love.I suspect my mother will be comparing etiquette notes with your father the entire time."

"And my mother will be interrogating yours about her skincare routine."

Henry bounces onto the sofa between us, nearly upending the laptop."Will there be a pool?Marcus said there might be a pool!"

"Yes, there's a pool," I confirm, ruffling his hair."And the beach is just a short walk away."

He grins and jumps up and down."Can we go surfing?Marcus promised to teach me!"

"We'll see," I hedge, which is parent code for 'absolutely not.'But I don't have the heart to crush his excitement just yet.

Our trip to Los Angeles flies by in a blur of beaches and tourist shops and palm trees.We're glad to go home, but we will miss Marcus and Claudia.Still, we can look forward to Thanksgiving with them.We Murgatroyds know how to turn holidays into unforgettable events.

Before I know it, Thanksgiving Day has arrived.

The table is crowded in the best way, and the room is filled with jokes and laughter.Claudia has somehow managed to transform our dining room into an Instagram-worthy autumn wonderland.Candles flicker in mason jars wrapped with twine, and a centerpiece of gourds, pinecones, and tiny white pumpkins trails down the middle of the table.

"This is gorgeous," Jennifer says, squeezing my hand under the table."Claudia has really gone all out."

"I agree."We watch as Marcus carries in the first turkey on a massive platter.With a theatrical flourish, pronounces, "Behold!The bird of gratitude!"

My mother claps politely while Jennifer's father, a retired teacher with a Santa Claus-like laugh, seems as if he's still deciding whether Marcus is a proper adult or not.

Then the Aussie returns to the kitchen to bring in another huge turkey that's slightly larger than the first.He sets it down with another regal flourish.

"Daddy carved the turkey last year," Henry informs everyone loudly.

"And this year it's my turn," Marcus announces with a grin, wielding the carving knife with surprising dexterity."Two turkeys for this growing family."

I catch Jennifer's eye across the table.We both know what's coming.

"Actually," Henry pipes up, "Dad made a mess.There was turkey everywhere!Even in Amelia's hair!"

Amelia shoots him a death glare."That's not true.Dad just had a little accident with the electric carver."

"The thing went rogue," I explain."Perfectly normal kitchen mishap."

Marcus laughs."Well, I promise no roasted turkey will be harmed today."

My mother leans toward Jennifer's mother and whispers something that makes them both titter.I pretend not to notice.

Jennifer rescues me, sort of, and winks too."Fletcher has many talents---but carving isn't one of them."

I reach for her hand and squeeze it."Cruel, but fair, darling.I've never been good at carving meat."

The warmth and joy of family surrounds as Marcus expertly slices the turkey, serving juicy portions to everyone.Even Jennifer's father looks impressed, which is no small feat.

"So," Claudia drawls, passing the cranberry sauce, "any exciting news to share with everyone?"

My heart skips.Jennifer and I exchange a quick glance, having discussed whether today would be the right moment.Her slight nod gives me courage.

"Since you asked..."I clear my throat deliberately, aware of all eyes turning to me."Jennifer and I do have some news."

The table falls silent.Henry freezes in mid-bite, his dinner roll forgotten, sensing the shift in atmosphere.

Jennifer grins."We're expecting."