Page 149 of Lace 'em Up

And I’m really starting to love Stella.

She’s…well, she’s almost as amazing as King.

Case in point? Her reading my expression as she settles her palm on my shoulder. “Don’t,” she murmurs. “I understand. And you’re here now. You guys are moving forward together. I’m just sorry King felt like—” She shakes her head.

I cover her hand with my own. “In fairness, it was my stupid idea. And I think—” My eyes catch on the glimmering diamond on my finger. “I think it was an excuse to spend more time with him even when I was telling myself that it was a terrible idea.”

“Because in the end,” Stella says quietly, “you love each other.”

My heart squeezes hard. “Yes.”

That hand on my shoulder tightens. “I’m happy you’re part of my life, no matter how that came to be. Now”—her tone turns businesslike—“how about I try this on, we go look at jewelry for your dress, and then we hit the grocery store to fight old ladies over the last can of cranberry sauce?”

“What?” I tease. “You don’t make it yourself?”

She pats my arm then starts leading the way to the changing room. “Honey, there are far more important things in life than making cranberry sauce from scratch.” A beat, her smile sly. “Especially, when we have a hockey game to watch.”

Why do I know that truer words have never been spoken?

Stella’s dress fit perfectly.

I found a gorgeous pair of earrings to go with my gown for the gala tomorrow.

And we scored not one, but two cans of cranberry sauce.

Then watched the Eagles handily beat the Grizzlies, cheering so loudly for King that I’m surprised I still have a voice this morning.

I’ve been up since the sun was barely cresting the hills in the east, getting ready for my first real Thanksgiving ever.

And I’m not alone.

Chrissy’s hosting, her house full to the brim with critters and people.

King’s been peeling potatoes and cooking veggies.

Rome is making a sweet potato casserole.

Cam—surprisingly, since I didn’t know the young forward for the Eagles liked to cook—is taking care of the turkey.

I’m working on dessert with a huge batch of Everything Cookies.

Stella is organizing—setting the table, checking timers, washing dishes, and shooing the boys away from her apple pie.

Joan of Freaking Arc—Chrissy’s cranky senior cat—has spent the day on her perch in the kitchen, taking lazy, clawed swipes at everyone who gets too close.

And, finally, Jean-Michel’s been keeping us in plenty of pastries from Molly’s while tapping away on his laptop at the island.

Hockey’s on in the background.

Kittens run this way and that. Zeus is having the time of his life reunited with his siblings, and being bossed around by his slightly older and smaller sister, Athena.

Chaos and joy. Plentiful chatter, and…it’s a nice day?—

The best day.

Full of laughter and friends and love.

But somehow, there’s an ache in my heart, a pulse of something missing.

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