Page 124 of Here & Now

“You two are so adorable,” Ivy said. “And to think, Bree didn’t even like you at first.”

Everyone laughed, including Zane.

“I never said I didn’t like him.” Bree’s reasons for not getting involved with Zane were long gone now. She’d grown more in love with him every day, and she knew in her heart she’d made the right decision by staying here.

“I eventually wore her down,” Zane teased.

“Well, I’m glad you were persistent,” Paula said, smiling. “I love my daughters, but they can be a handful.”

“Mom!” Ivy and Bree said at once.

“I think my son’s the lucky one,” Jill said sweetly.

Bree shot her a grateful smile. She recalled the first time she’d met Zane’s parents and how nervous she’d been. The four of them had met for dinner in Cape Coral, and she’d awaited their arrival with sweaty palms and a racing heart.

Zane kept assuring her she had nothing to worry about, and he’d been right. After the initial awkwardness that accompanied meeting new people, his parents had put her at ease. They’d regaled her with stories of Zane as a child and teenager, much to his chagrin. They’d also asked about her job and family and seemed truly interested in getting to know her.

Since then, they’d met up a few more times, and she’d become more comfortable each time. Still, she’d been trepidatious about bringing both families together on a major holiday, but so far, it was working out great.

Both families were genuinely happy for them, and she knew she could count on their support forever.

“Okay, everyone, it’s time to eat!” Paula said as Zane set down the carving knife.

Earlier, Bree and Ivy had set the table, and Jill had arranged the side dishes on the counter. Everyone picked up their plates and lined up buffet style.

Bree and Zane stood back, insisting their guests go first.

“I think it’s going well, don’t you?” he whispered.

Whispering wasn’t necessary since everybody was more interested in the food than them.

“Um-hmm. I’m so glad Marco and Tess came too.”

“Maybe this will become a new tradition.”

Bree smiled, thinking about all the new traditions they’d make together.

Soon they were all seated around the table, except for Sofie, who was presumably sleeping soundly.

“Who wants to say grace?” Bree asked.

“I will,” Sam said.

Nobody argued, and she was glad. She didn’t want her dad thinking his role was less important now that Zane was around. Sam would always be the man she loved first.

Sam cleared his throat, and everybody bowed their heads. “Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all the wonderful food before us and for allowing us to gather together.”

He paused, and Bree raised her head.

“I’d also like to thank my beautiful daughter Bree and her new beau for hosting Thanksgiving this year. Amen.”

Everyone chimed, “Amen.” Bree locked eyes with her dad and smiled. She was pretty sure he had tears in his, but she had them too, so maybe she was mistaken.

The next hour was filled with conversation, laughter, and eating. As the sun streamed in through the kitchen windows, she appreciated the warmth of the day and the company.

She wondered what it would be like to celebrate Christmas here without snow, but she was getting ahead of herself. She and Zane had discussed the holiday but hadn’t made any decisions yet. It would take some planning, but somehow, they’d share the holiday with their families.

After dinner, Jill and Paula stood and started clearing the table. Bree offered to help, but they shook their heads.