Page 60 of The Friendly Fall

The table is beautifully set with fall-themed centerpieces and a crisp, white tablecloth, and Granny and Mom are setting down dishes of delicious food. I take in the sight of the Thanksgiving feast laid out before us, the rich aroma of turkey and stuffing filling the room, but I can’t shake the nerves.

A nudge under the table catches my attention.

“You okay?” Nick’s voice tickles my earlobe, and I feel sensations of things that arenotremotely friendly.

I nod, finally meeting his gaze. “Yeah, just a little nervous.”

The reassuring smile on his face is almost painfully sweet. “It’s all good. I got this. I won’t rat you out.”

I force myself to bob my head in agreement, but honestly, I’m not sure ifthatis what I’m nervous about. I don’t knowwhyI feel so jittery.

“I was just thinking,” Granny muses as she joins us at the table, “since this is such a special occasion with Nick here, we should go around the table and say what we’re thankful for.” She gives me a knowing look, and my heart is nowracing.

“Oh! I’ll start,” Mom gushes. “I’m so thankful for family, love, and good food. And, of course, for this handsome young man joining us today.”

I can’t help but feel guilty for the deception, but I plaster a smile on my face and nod in agreement. Nick squeezes my hand under the table in silent reassurance, and I draw strength from his touch.

Dad goes next, expressing gratitude for health and happiness, and then it’s Granny’s turn. She winks at me before speaking, “I’m thankful for surprises, both big and small, that keep life interesting.” Her eyes twinkle with mischief as she looks directly at me, causing a flush of embarrassment to creep up my neck.

I quickly avert my gaze, hoping no one notices my discomfort. Nick squeezes my hand again, his silent support grounding me.

And now it’s my turn to share.

I take a deep breath. “I’m thankful for family,” I begin, trying to keep my voice steady. “For the love and support they’ve always shown me, even when things get tough. And for having friends who always have my back, no matter what.”

As I finish speaking, I steal a quick glance at Nick, who’s watching me with a soft expression in his eyes.

Finally, it’s his turn. Nick clears his throat and straightens up in his chair.

And I hold my breath.

“I’m thankful for the chance to meet amazing people who touch my life in ways I never imagined,” he starts, his gaze flickering briefly to me before returning to the group. “For unexpected opportunitiesthat lead us down paths we never thought we’d take, but end up being exactly where we’re meant to be.”

I feel a rush of emotions swirling inside me as Nick’s words sink in. Mom gives a contented sigh, clearly touched by his sentiment. Even Dad, who’s been quietly observing, nods in approval.

Granny lets out a satisfied chuckle, breaking the moment. “Well said, young man. Now, let’s dig into this delicious meal before it gets cold!”

We start passing the food around, loading up our plates with all the delicious Thanksgiving staples.

“So … Nick,” my dad begins, pushing his glasses up on his face. “You own the hardware store?”

“Yeah, well…” He pauses. “Kind of. Mom still owns the majority of it.”

Dad passes him the plate of rolls. “Well, I remember when your father took it over years back. You’re the spitting image of him.”

He must’ve been hot.

Wait … what?

I shake my head at myself. I’m really losing it.

“My dad took it over when he was quite a bit older than I am. Grandpa held onto it as long as he could,” Nick talks nonchalantly—like he’s not a bucket of nerves. He’s a pro at acting like this is totally …real.

“I sure am sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man.” Dad’s voice drops low as his expression falls. “We were close for a long time. I just regret losing touch for so manyyears.”

“He talked about you,” Nick says, forking some turkey onto his plate. “He said you guys used to play football together.”

I sit silently as they continue to talk. It’s more than Dadevertalked to Devon—they just didn’t have anything in common, really.

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