Page 109 of Gideon's Gratitude

The oven timer binged.

Gideon barreled over to it. “You all should, um, sit down at the dining room table.” He set about removing the roast, the chicken, themashed potatoes, and the roasted vegetables, and then stirred the gravy on the stove. The kids had already dug into their pizza, hot dogs, and carrots. The older ones would eat the healthy food as well, but today was about filling bellies, not worrying about diets. Amazingly, no one in my family had allergies. Food preferences? Certainly. Was anyone going to keel over from anaphylaxis? No.

Channing was the first to head to the dining room. At eighteen, he was just grateful he wasn’t stuck with the kids. Several siblings and spouses followed, all carrying out food and drinks.

Organized chaos.

Apparently, Charmaine drew the short straw, so she was stuck with the kids.

Ha, her husband Robert didn’t offer to help. That oversight might cost the man later.

Gideon and I were the last to enter the dining room, and the cacophonous roar overwhelmed even me.

Gideon winced.

Damn, I didn’t think this through. Of course the noise will be too much.

My boyfriend rallied, placing a plate of warm rolls—baked by Rainbow, no less—and he sat in the second-to-last remaining seat. At one end of the table. The head remained empty, waiting for me. In my mind, I’d planned to keep Gideon close at hand, but apparently my family had other plans.

Roll with it.

Gideon sat next to Dad, who gave him the once-over.

The older man pronounced, “You’ll do,” before shoveling in a mouthful of roast smothered in gravy. For all that my father was a famous attorney with a thriving practice, he also understood that ifone didn’t eat fast in the Chamberlain household, one was liable to be left with mere scraps.

Leftovers were rarely a thing.

I caught Gideon’s gaze.

He smiled. A genuine smile that lit his eyes.

My heart soared.

Food was consumed at a record-breaking pace, and Cherry was rising to help organize dessert when my phone pinged.

Mother glared, Father snorted, and Cherish laughed. “Christmas Day? Seriously?”

I ignored them all and checked the message. I’d hoped, but I hadn’t let myself believe. Yet here was proof. I rose.

“Gideon and I have to go over to his house for a bit.” I surveyed the room. “Channing, you’re in charge.”

Channing pumped his fist while every other Chamberlain howled in protest.

Gideon rose unsteadily but headed my way.

“What’s going on?” He hunched in on himself. “I thought I was doing okay.”

I pressed a kiss to his temple and pulled him in for a hug. “You’re doing amazing. They love you. But I have a special gift for you that won’t wait.”

“I don’t need anything.”

A protest I expected.

“I know you don’t. Except this is something you do need. Trust me?”

“Of course.” Quick and sure. No hesitation.

I hope this sentiment will carry us through the next few minutes, and you’ll forgive me if I made a mistake.

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