Page 117 of The Blessing

When she notices what he’s doing her eyes widen in horror. “Ew!” she cries as she watches him slobber all over her stuffed animal. “He get it wet!”

“Hey, buddy. Let’s not do that. That bear isn’t yours.” I sit beside him and carefully take it away from him, causing Grey to start crying instantaneously.

“Dada!” he cries as he reaches for the stuffed bear.

“Here you go, Harper. Grey’s sorry.”

She frowns at my son before looking back to her toy. “No cry, Grey. He have toy,” she tells me, giving me back the bear for him to keep.

I’m surprised by this. It’s such a mature thing for the little girl to do. I don’t know much about kids, but I know I sure as hell didn’t do shit like this when I was her age. “Thanks, Harper. That’s so nice of you.” I’m going to have to get her a new toy. What a great little kid.

“It okay.” She shrugs. “He happy now.”

“Look, Grey! Harper gave you her toy!” I tell him as I wipe away his tears and hand him back the bear.

It takes him a second to realize what I’m saying, and he continues to cry as he holds it. Harper frowns again before crawling over to him and placing a small kiss on his forehead.

“No cry, Grey.”

His cries slow down before they eventually stop completely. He hiccups, but smiles at her, and then puts the bear’s ear back into his mouth.

“He loves you a lot, Harper,” I tell her as I pull him onto my lap.

“I love Grey,” she smiles, returning to her toys.

My parents arrive punctually at one o’clock. I didn’t get the memo about inviting everyone over crazy early. So, when they knocked on the door, I was fucking relieved. My mom looks ecstatic to be here as she enters Ronnie’s apartment with a glowing smile and a homemade pumpkin pie in hand. My dad, on the other hand, looks absolutely exhausted. Although he’s smiling, his eyes are melancholy. It’s obvious that this day is affecting him just as it is me. Being together on this family holiday is a twisted and cruel reminder of what we’ve lost. At least we’ve got each other and Grey: the only part of Dean and Cat we have left.

“Thanks for coming, Mom—Dad,” I say as I give them both a hug hello.

My mom gasped as “mom” left my mouth. Apparently, she’s still not used to hearing it. Tears pool in her eyes and she gives me a heartwarming smile. She looks so fucking happy hearing the simple title. I guess she’s been wanting to hear it for so long, and now she’s finally getting the chance. Every time I say it, she seems to always take a moment to allow the words to sink it.

“Thanks for inviting us, Trevor,” Mom says with a cheerful smile.

She turns to give my dad—who’s quieter than I’ve ever seen him—a sad, sympathetic smile before squeezing his hand. I’m glad he’s here; I’m glad he’s strong enough to come and celebrate with us today. This Thanksgiving is such a stark contrast from last year’s for him: his son and daughter-in-law have died, he’s divorced from Evelyn, and I’ve returned home. Nothing about today resembles what his life once was. Change is hard enough—even when it’s a good change. Be that as it may, once you throw everything else into the mix, today would be traumatic and fucking devastating for anyone to face.

I drape my arm over my dad’s shoulders and usher him further inside the apartment. Everyone’s already seated at the table, ready to eat. There’s two seats left open for my parents to sit next to me. I wanted to make sure I sat close to my mom since it’s my first Thanksgiving with her. I quickly introduce my parents to everyone and they’re more than welcoming in return. Bryant stands up to shake my dad’s hand, conversing briefly with him before sitting back down and waiting to eat. Although the man is quiet—stern in his disposition—I can’t help but fucking love the guy so far.

Eden insists on saying a quick prayer before we all dig in. Grey’s sitting on my lap, playing with his new toy I couldn’t get him to let go of it. So, throughout dinner, I try my best to feed him whatever food I know he can chew. Everyone aside from Ronnie’s sister is pretty quiet during dinner. They’re too focused on shoveling food into their mouths to really have a conversation. I talk to my mom for a bit—who’s so fucking thrilled to be here. I can barely believe it myself. I try to engage my dad in conversation, as well. He smiles and says what’s appropriate, but I can tell he wants to keep to himself.

Once dinner’s over, we get ready for dessert while Eden speaks up, explaining a family tradition. “Every year we like to go around the table and say something we’re thankful for. It’s something we’ve done since we could speak,” she says, giving my girl and her father a wistful smile.

I reach for Ronnie’s hand and hold it firmly in mine. With her on one side, my parents on the other and my son in my lap, I’ve never felt more surrounded with love. I have so much to be thankful for. Everyone at this table has lost someone incredibly important to them; it’s astounding we can still fight through the heartache and find something positive in all of the darkness. Even with all the shit in the world—we can still find something that’s beautiful.

“I’ll start,” Eden says with a humble smile. “I have so much in my life to be thankful for. Every day I find something new. However, one thing I’m especially thankful for is the man who has made my sister so happy.” My eyes widen as I absorb her words. I can’t believe what she’s expressing. “My sister has been alone for too long. Thank you, Trevor, for making her so incredibly happy.”

I nod, too shocked to know what the hell to say. I’m not used to this type of attention. Ronnie knows this, so she squeezes my hand in support. Eden looks to her husband, nodding to indicate that it’s his turn.

Quinton takes a deep breath, smiles and says, “I’m thankful for a lot of things as well, but today, I want to say that I’m incredibly thankful for my beautiful wife—and the fact that she’s giving me another child.”

Ronnie gasps and reaches across the table to grab ahold of her sister’s hand. “Eden!? You’re pregnant? Why didn’t you say anything?”

Eden smiles and wipes away a tear. “We just found out last week. We wanted to wait and tell you all at once.”

Bryant is fucking speechless. However, he looks incredibly happy, as well. As taciturn as the man is, he’s obviously a big fucking softie for kids. It’s kind of fucking hilarious to see this Burt Reynolds look-alike fawn over a baby.

“Congrats, Eden—Quinton.” I say with a sincere smile. I’m thrilled Grey will have another little friend to play with.

“You’re going to have another grandbaby,” Eden tells her dad, who’s still hasn’t uttered a word.