Page 108 of Impractical Magic

Townspeople were gathered around the town gazebo, which was decorated with streamers, balloons shaped like pilgrim hats, and an enormous banner: OAK HAVEN TURKEY TROT. Polly and Violet stood on the steps, surrounded by a sea of eager kids. Each child clutched a piece of paper featuring a hand-drawn turkey.

“All right, everyone!” Polly called out, her voice filled with enthusiasm. “It’s time for the Turkey Trot! Let’s see those beautiful turkeys come to life!” Polly smiled at Violet, who—for today at least—had decided to participate rather than glower. Mother and daughter held hands, closed their eyes, and cast an enchantment over the sea of eager young faces. The hand-drawn turkeys sprang to life, leaping from the pages into the world. Their paper feathers rustled as they darted and wove, while their little creators chased them around the green.

Scarlett and Nate stood off to the side, watching the festivities with big dumb grins on their faces. Thanksgiving represented everything they loved about Oak Haven, where traditions were honored, where magic and wonder were celebrated, and where the bonds of family and friendship were strong.

Scarlett rested her head on Nate’s shoulder. “I can’t believe it’s my first Thanksgiving home in ten years.”

“Eleven,” he corrected.

“Right, eleven. I forgot to count my Bird Year.”

“Gotta count your Bird Year.” Nate chuckled. “Anyway, you’ll make up for lost time today, that’s for sure.”

“Yeah, what is it, four Thanksgivings? Dinner at the inn first, then at your parents’, then another dinner at your grandparents’—why those two can’t be combined, I’ll never understand.”

“Aw, it’s a Williams family tradition at this point. My dad is insisting on deep-frying the turkey this year, but my grandparents say that’s a sin against poultry. My great-grandparents sided with my dad, and they all ended up arguing, and voila: two separate dinners. Be glad it’s only two this year—for a while, they were all battling over mashed potato recipes, and we had to do three.”

“Good grief.” Scarlett laughed. “Remind me to never challenge pirates about their food preferences. Anyway, after all that’s done? Then we’re expected at the inaugural Thanksgiving feast at Zahir and Dayo’s pub.”

Nate grinned. “You know that any meal at Double, Double Boil and Trouble is going to be incredible.”

“Zahir’s skill is not in question. But that’s way too many Thanksgivings! How are we ever going to eat four Thanksgiving dinners?”

“I guess we’ll just have to pace ourselves. Skip the rolls, probably.” Nate kissed Scarlett on the head. “But there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than right here with you.”

“Unfortunately . . .” she glanced at her watch “. . . we actually have to get back. It’s time for your class, holiday or not.”

As they made their way back to the inn, the aroma of roasting turkeys and freshly baked pies wafted from every window, mingling with the laughter and chatter of families and friends reuniting for the holiday. Enchanted decorations adorned the storefronts, with animated cornucopias spilling their bounty and tiny, glowing pumpkins floating in the air.

They ambled up the walkway to the Stargazer, the inviting glow of the inn’s windows beckoning them inside. As they approached the front door, an elderly couple exited the inn. The elders paused to greet this vision of their younger selves. “Happy Thanksgiving,” said the old man.

“What a lovely young couple you are!” exclaimed his wife. “When are you two getting married?”

“Oh, you know . . . I’m holding out for a destination wedding,” Scarlett said, smiling. “But he has to pass his exams first.”

“Isn’t that charming,” the woman said. “And what are you studying, young man? Are you in medical school or such like?”

“Trivia school,” Nate said. “Packing in as much useless information as I can.”

The old man’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “I have no idea what that means, young man, but I’m sure you’ll make it work.”

“Are you enjoying the Stargazer?” Scarlett asked.

“Oh, absolutely,” the old lady enthused. “We just happened upon your inn by chance, and we’ve been so delighted with everything. In fact, we were just saying—as soon as we get home, the first thing we’re doing is calling all our friends to tell them about Oak Haven.”

Scarlett and Nate exchanged glances. “Not much chance of that,” Scarlett said kindly. “But Happy Thanksgiving to you both!”

***

At the Stargazer, Nate headed off to the dining room for his class while Scarlett joined Delilah at the front desk. “All right, little sister,” Delilah began, her tone a mix of gratitude and stern instruction, “I’m trusting you to keep this place running smoothly while I’m gone. Don’t screw it up.”

“Your unyielding support never ceases to amaze,” Scarlett replied.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Del grabbed her by the elbow and dragged her behind the desk. “C’mere, did I show you the reservation book?”

“Only a hundred times!”

“Well, I have a system, Scar! I don’t want to get home and find out you messed up my system.”