Page 61 of The Doctor's Surprise Family

“But when you go home soon, will you still be my dad?”

I wanted to scoop him up and hug him right there, and tell him of course I would. “Dad” meant “forever.” But he looked scared already, and small and alone, so not wanting to startle him, I thumbed sauce off his cheek.

“Of course I will. I’ll always be your dad. And your mom has my number, so you can call me whenever.”

Oli looked at his plate. “Could I get a phone too? So I could call you at night, or at school?”

I didn’t know what to tell him, or what I should do. These were uncharted waters, and I was new to this game. What would my dad have done? Or how about Claire’s dad? I took a big bite of pizza to buy time to think, but it went down the wrong way, and I coughed and spluttered. Oli jumped down and ran up behind me, and pounded my back with his soft little fists.

“Thank you,” I said, when I’d caught my breath. “Guess I, uh, guess I forgot how to chew.”

“With your mouth closed,” said Oli. “And don’t talk with your mouth full.”

“Yeah. Good advice.” I gulped orange juice. Oli stole my pie crust and fed it to Buster, and he seemed to have forgotten the phone thing for now. But did he think I’d just vanish, and not be his dad? I’d go back to being… not in his life? It made a sad kind of sense, from his perspective: he’d gone three years without knowing me, then I’d come to visit. And one day, he knew, that visit would end. It wasn’t strange he’d expect life to go back to normal, and normal for Oli meant I wasn’t there.

“He’s doing the pee-pee dance.” Oli pointed at Buster. “We should go to the park soon, or he’ll go right here.”

“Right, yeah, of course.” I dug for my wallet. First thing tomorrow, I’d call up that fellowship. Let them know, yeah. I wanted an interview.

If Oli needed me, I had to be close.

The house smelled amazing by the time we got back, warm and savory, with a sweet hint of pie. Claire took Oli to wash up and I helped set the table.

“You should carve tonight,” said Alan, as he set out the glasses. “It would be a good thing for Oli to see.”

“To see you’re family,” said Sharon. “Not just a guest.”

Hot guilt surged through me. Had Oli come to them too with his fears I’d vanish? I didn’t dare ask what they’d said, if he had.

“I hope you do feel at home here,” Sharon went on. “It’s been so fun for Oli, having you back. He hasn’t stopped talking about the huge bubbles.”

“Bubbles!” Oli came charging in, and Alan caught him. He lifted him gently into his chair. Claire took her place next to him and poured him some juice. Sharon lit a few candles and turned down the lights, and Alan brought in the turkey, golden-brown from the oven. When he set it down, Oli stood up and clapped.

“A standing ovation.” Sharon chuckled. “I think that’s a first, even for me.”

“I want stuffing,” said Oli.

“And you’ll have all you want. But first, it’s Thanksgiving.” Alan stood up and took a deep breath. “Before we get to the food, let’s go round the table, and we’ll all say what we’re thankful for. I’m grateful for family, and for the good luck we’ve had. We have this great house and this wonderful food, and so much love there’s no room to put it all. I’m thankful for all of that, and all of you.” He smiled around the table, and his gaze lit on me. I thought he’d look away quickly, but he nodded instead, as though to assure meall of youmeant me, too.

“I’m thankful for all that,” said Sharon. “And for our good health. And that we’re all together to share this fine meal.”

“Me next,” yelled Oli. He bounced in his seat. “I’m thankful Dad’s home, and he’s cooler than Mike’s dad.”

Claire pursed her lips. “Oli! Don’t say things like that.”

“What? Heiscooler. Mike’s dad just works. He never plays with us, and he makes us be quiet.”

“Didn’t he take you all to the science museum?”

Oli looked pensive. “Well,thatwas cool.”

“So maybe cut Mike’s dad a little slack? We all have to work sometimes, and we all need some quiet.”

“Okay,” said Oli. “I’m thankful Dad’s home, and he’s as cool as Mike’s dad.”

“Better.” Claire gave him a one-armed hug. Oli wriggled, embarrassed, and she kissed his head. “I’m grateful this year to be back at work. And of course for this family, and this delicious feast. And I’m so glad we’re all here to celebrate together.” Her hand found mine under the table, and she gave it a squeeze. I felt my eyes prickle.

“It’s your turn,” said Claire.

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