Page 25 of Merry with a Single Dad

“Of course,” I said. “I’m glad you could join us on such short notice.”

“Are you kidding me? You saved me from ruining a perfectly good turkey,” he said, watching Cassie make my drink. “I saved ours for Christmas dinner. And I’ve been watching you and Chris for pointers.”

“You want one too?” Cassie asked with a sweeping flourish of lime juice.

“Sure,” he said.

I didn’t miss the pink in his cheeks. Chuckling but keeping my thoughts to myself, I admitted, “This is my first time making a dinner like this. I’m just as nervous as you were. And a littlesecret”—I leaned closer to whisper—“I watched four different Thanksgiving cooking shows on TV when I was sick because I had no idea what I was doing.”

“You could have fooled me. You look like a complete pro.”

“Thank you,” Cassie said, sliding him a cranberry cocktail.

“He meant me,” I teased.

“Until he tastes that.” Cassie’s eyes twinkled in the same manner as Mike’s.

He raised his glass to mine and saluted Cassie before taking a sip. “Wow,” he said, smacking his lips. “That’s really good.”

“I know,” Cassie said. “I added a little something special.”

“Extra vodka?” I asked.

“Only to his,” she said.

Mike laughed before taking another sip. When he sputtered, then coughed, we all laughed.

“Yep, now I taste it,” he said.

“But what else?” Cassie asked.

“There’s something, but I can’t quite?—”

“Ginger ale!” I said.

“Ding, ding, ding!” Cassie said.

The three of us fell into conversation as the boys played and the other adults chatted amongst themselves.

Pretty soon, timers and dingers were going off, and everyone hopped into gear. The table was set, candles were lit, and everyone was eager to dig in. Chris and his dad carved the turkeys, Kathy and Ken filled the glasses, and Courtney, Savannah, Cassie, and Mike set out all the side dishes.

It was hectic and crazy, but it was perfect.

All the stress of the past couple of weeks melted away as I watched family and strangers-turned-friends join together to celebrate.

“This is what today is all about,” Chris said, starting his toast after we all took our seats. “I’m especially grateful for my parentsand sister. Thank you for making the trek up here to be with me and Hudson.”

“And Emily,” Sam, Courtney, and Savannah said in unison.

“Yes,” Chris said, clearing his throat. “How do you thank the woman who made all of this possible? Emily,”—he turned my way—“you have brought so much joy and love to our life. Thank you for making today truly amazing. I am thankful for so many things you do, but most of all . . . for loving me.”

“Aww,” Cassie and Savannah cooed.

Chris’s cheeks brightened. “Okay, now before I turn into mush, thank you all—family and friends alike—for joining us, for your friendship, and for making today one we will remember for a very long time.”

“Hear, hear,” Mike said.

“Now, please”—Chris’s lips turned up before he chuckled—“help me eat all this turkey.”

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