Page 159 of Unraveling Rain
“I just thought it would be nice to be ready before we get the food— this way, we can eat as soon as we’re back. I’m starving,” Xander says, and right on cue, his stomach growls.
I still don’t understand why he’s making such a big deal about Thanksgiving. But if he’s happy, I’m happy too.
As he drives toward Five Points, I glance out the window, remembering that cake place we visited the other day. They have like twenty different flavors, and the slices are huge. I hope he ordered one from there.
But then he pulls up in front of a large brick house with a wrought-iron fence, and I frown.
“Is this the place where we’re picking up the food?”
He nods, hopping out and jogging around to open my door.
“Are you cold?” he asks as a crisp gust of wind snakes down my spine.
Before I can answer, he shrugs off his jacket and drapes it over my shoulders. I sigh in relief, smiling at him with gratitude.
How did I forget a coat? It’s November, for Chrissake.
“Hello?” Xander calls as we step inside the house without knocking.
It’s beautiful—two stories, a spiral staircase spilling into the foyer, and to the left, I spot a ballroom with people inside.
“Xander?” I glance at him, confused. “What the heck is going on?”
He grins—the kind of grin that says,wait for it.
The glass doors to the ballroom swing open, and my breath catches.
My entire family is here. Every single one of them.
Even Granny.
And they’re all dressed up.
“Happy Thanksgiving!” they shout in unison.
I turn to Xander, stunned, and find him smiling like a kid who just won the biggest prize at the fair.
“Surprise,” he says, stepping in front of me. “Are you happy?” There’s a flicker of nerves behind his eyes.
“Xander, this is amazing.” My voice cracks as emotion wells in my throat. “I’ve been trying not to think about what they were doing today… and you brought them to us.”
I throw my arms around him, and he hugs me tight.
“I love you, Rain,” he murmurs into my hair. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
He takes my hand, leading me inside to greet my family.
“How were you guys able to keep this from me?” I ask, laughing through the tears as I spot all my brothers in suits.
They all look good. Clean-shaven, polished. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen them like this.
Gio is in a tuxedo, looking sharp, and Ruin stuns in a dark green ball gown, straight out of a fairytale. Her hair is braided and tucked into a low bun. Indigo wears a mini tux, and Sage is a vision in a tiny replica of her mom’s dress.
I want to cry happy tears.
This gorgeous family—myfamily—is here for me and Xander.
Mama and Granny are glowing in elegant gowns, their hair done up perfectly. They look like royalty.
