Page 99 of The Moment We Know

Jacob then began to chatter away, most of which Paige missed because she was too busy looking at Valerie, who had changed very little since Paige has last seen her. Still looking like a slightly older, female version of David, Valerie had been like a second mom, and more of a comfort than Claire had been after Paige had suffered her miscarriage.

Now, observing Valerie with Jacob, Paige was hit with a wave of bittersweet emotions—happiness that Valerie obviously adored her grandchild, but sadness that it wasn’t the one Paige had been going to give her.

As if sensing Paige’s thoughts, Valerie glanced over at Paige and when their eyes met, they shared a soft smile.

They were still smiling at one another when David appeared, carrying several bags he’d retrieved from Valerie’s car, and he looked back and forth between the two women as he set the bags down. “Jacob,” he said, interrupting the boy’s endless chatter, “why don’t you come help me with these?”

As soon as he dashed over to David’s side, Paige got up and Valerie moved forward, until they met in the middle, wrapping their arms around one another. Paige immersed herself in the warmth and affection of the embrace, not surprised when her eyes began to gather tears. Everything around them seemed to dissolve away, as they both began talking.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Valerie said softly.

Paige sniffled a little. “Me, too.”

“It’s so good to see you.” Valerie leaned back and put her hands on Paige’s face, squeezing gently. “You look … amazing. Happy and healthy.”

“Thank you. I feel happy and healthy.”

“Apple pie!”

At Jacob’s exclamation, Paige and Valerie glanced over, to see him peeking over the counter at a pie David had just set down.

“Indoor voice,” David said.

Somewhat softer, Jacob repeated, “Apple pie!”

“Really, Mom? Three pies? For the four of us?”

With one last squeeze, Valerie released Paige and the two of them made their way to the island and sat down next to each other on the bar stools. “Yes, David, three pies. The pumpkin pie is for you, the apple is for Jacob, and since Paige doesn’t like either one of those, I made a chocolate cream pie for her.”

“Chocolate cream pie!” Paige said, mimicking Jacob’s indoor voice and earning a grin from him.

Along with the pies, Valerie had also brought deviled eggs, homemade cranberry sauce, a large platter with a cheese ball and crackers, and two bottles of wine. Wisely, David remained silent as he set the bottles off to the side.

Jacob glanced around at all the food waiting to be prepped and cooked. “When do we eat Thanksdinner?”

It was the cutest thing Paige had ever heard.

“Not for a couple of hours,” David told him.

Jacob frowned for a moment, but then almost immediately his expression cleared. “Can I go watch TV?”

Since Paige hadn’t been around young children very much, the little boy’s mercurial personality almost gave her whiplash. However, David was obviously used to it, and simply said, “Yes.”

After Jacob raced out of the kitchen, David picked up the potato peeler and was reaching for the half-peeled potato when Valerie cleared her throat.

David glanced across the island at her. “What?”

Bluntly, she told him, “You should go, too.”

“What do you mean, I should—”

“Go watch TV with Jacob.”

He indicated all the work that needed to be done. “Are you kidding?”

“I’m sure Paige and I can handle it. After all, it’s not the first Thanksgiving dinner we’ve ever made.”

“Mom—”

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