Page 46 of The Boss's Triplet Surprise

“Leah, let me introduce you to my sister, Jenny, and her husband, Louis.” Dan stepped to the front and gestured to Leah and Jenny. The two women shared a quick hug.

“I’ve heard a lot of stories about you, too,” Leah said. “Though not all of them paint Dan in a good light.”

“He was quite a prankster,” Jenny admitted with a wink. “But he was a good big brother.”

“I bet he was.” Leah threaded her arm through Dan’s again and smiled up at him. “He seems like the type. But I’ll need more stories to prove it.”

“And I’ll need more stories about you.” Jenny grinned. “I’ve heard only a little.”

“All these stories can take place over dinner.” Jane waved them towards the dining room. “I laid out some appetizers to start.”

Everyone filed into the next room, but Richard held Dan’s arm to keep him back. Once everyone had left, Richard turned to his son.

“It’s so nice to see Leah again.” The words were so genuine that Dan felt another stab in his heart. He was hurting everyone he cared about — but it was too late to change course.

“Yes,” Dan managed. “I’m glad she could come.”

“She’s really a special woman.” Richard gave Dan an approving nod, then a stern look. “Do right by her.”

“I will.” The words almost burned on the way out. Dan had never felt like such a fraud. But Richard didn’t seem to notice. He just smiled and gestured for Dan to enter the living room.

“Let’s not keep them waiting.”

The whole family sat down to dinner together. For a few long moments, there was nothing but the sound of plates scraping and requests to pass a little more of this or that. Once everyone’s plates were full, Richard tapped his glass to get everyone’s attention.

“It’s time for our most beloved tradition,” he said. “Leah, as you may know, on Thanksgiving we always go around the table to say what we are thankful for. Hopefully, this year, Dan will be thankful for something other than profits and work.”

There were giggles around the table at that, and Dan smiled sheepishly. It was true that, in past years, he’d mostly been thankful for work-related things — usually things he hoped might impress his father, although they rarely did.

“I’ll begin,” Richard said. “I’m thankful for the whole family, including our newest members, Leah and the babies. I’m especially thankful that our far-away members could join us today, Jenny and Louis, and that Leah could make it with her difficult pregnancy.”

Dan winced. He’d told his family that Leah was often unwell, to explain her absence. Hopefully, she would go with it.

But Dan needn’t have worried. Leah was next and, as always, she played her role perfectly.

“I’m thankful to be here today and for the new family I’ve found in you all. I’m thankful that the pregnancy has gone well, despite a few bumps in the road here and there, and that our babies are healthy. And most of all, I’m thankful for Dan.” She smiled at Dan, and he felt his heart stutter again. She had no reason to be thankful for him. He hadn’t been there for her at all.

“It looks like it’s my turn.” Dan smiled at his family. “As always, I’m thankful for this quarter’s yields… Only joking.” He winked and everyone laughed. “No, this year I’m thankful for my beautiful girlfriend, Leah, and for our babies. She’ll be the most wonderful mother.”

They continued around the table.

“I’m thankful for my whole wonderful family. I’m especially thankful that my big brother is finally settling down.” Jenny winked at Dan. “I thought it might never happen.”

“I’m thankful for this year’s Super Bowl champions,” Louis joked. “No, but really, I’m thankful for my beautiful wife and her family, of course.”

“I’m thankful that I’m finally becoming a grandmother!” Jane grinned as everyone chuckled. “And I’m thankful for all the gifts this year has brought us.”

Since Jane was the last to give thanks, everyone picked up their forks and turned to their food. But Richard held up a hand.

“There’s one more thing I want to give thanks for. My son. Over the last years, he’s been the best CEO RMA Pharmaceuticals could ask for. He’s always steered the company with a clear head and a firm hand. Now, this year, he’s become a family man and welcomed the wonderful Leah into our hearts. I am thankful for all he’s done — and all he’ll continue to do. I am ready to retire, and I know that Dan is ready now to take over for me. All the paperwork is ready. Dan, as of Monday, RMA Pharmaceuticals is yours.”

Dan had hoped for this, even expected it, but it still caught him off guard. His mouth opened in surprise and, instinctively, he turned to Leah. He wanted to share this moment of success with her.

Sure enough, Leah was smiling, although her eyes were a little distant.

“Congratulations. I’m so happy for you.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” Dan said honestly.

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