Chapter 53--Thanksgiving

*Amber*

“Ryan, the turkey, I think it’s been in the oven way too long,” I say as I place the last batch of cookie dough on the metal tray.

Ryan shoots me a smile, before taking long strides to the oven. I watch him slip on a mittens and stifle a chuckle at how comical he looks in them. I watch him pull out the large pan containing a whole turkey and placing it on the counter.

He turns to me, a smile on his perfectly shaped lips. I've stared at them for months and still cannot get over how perfect they are.

“The turkey looks perfect,” he grins, his eyes trailing to the bump on my belly.

Ryan places his hand on my baby bump, rubbing it slightly. “Don’t you think you should get some rest? You’ve been cooking non stop since 7am, I know it’s for Thanksgiving dinner, but I don’t want you and the baby stressed.”

I chuckle, reaching for his face and cupping them in my small hands. “I’m fine, honey, and besides, I want to be the one to prepare the meal for your parents.”

Ryan sighs and slips his hands around my waist. “I know, but you look tired, why don’t I take over baking these cookies?”

I raise an eyebrow at him, rolling my eyes. “The last time you tried to make a cake for our one month anniversary, we had butter icing all over the kitchen again, I can’t let that happen again.”

Ryan lets out a hearty laugh, his chest rising and falling with the motion. The sound of the soft jingle of the doorbell cuts through the wholesome atmosphere, catching our attentions instantly.

Ryan and I share a look, our eyes widening.

“They’re here,” Ryan says softly.

“I’ll go get the door,” I announce.

Ryan nods and I make my way out of the kitchen. I maneuver through the living room, making my way down the slim corridor, until I reach the front door. I let out a sigh, before grabbing the doorknob and twisting it.

The door swings open and my eyes immediately fall on Mr and Mrs Holden, each of them looking regal in their exquisite outfits. Mrs Holden’s eyes brighten up the moment she gazes at me. “Amber, dear! You’re looking so healthy, and I’m sure the baby is.”

“Hi, Mrs Holden, I’m very healthy, thanks to the diet plan you asked me to follow,” I smile.

She waves her hands in the air dismissively, a slight frown creasing her eyebrows. “I told you to refer to me as mother. It’s been months and you’re still being so formal with me.”

I chuckle, my gaze switching to Mr Holden. He nods, his face stoic. He has never been that easy to interact with, but he does not look at me with disdain like he used to.

“Hey,” Ryan’s voice booms from behind me. “You’re keeping my wife at the door for too long mother, she needs to sit and get some rest,” he says, circling his hands around my waist.

“Of course, dear, let’s all go in.”

Mr and Mrs Holden walk in and I spot an ever so familiar face walk in after them.

“Jasper,” I utter softly, my eyes never leaving him.

He has a grin on his lips as he gazes at Ryan and I. “I wasn’t about to miss this family dinner,”

Ryan walks over to him, squeezing his arms. “Its nice to see you, especially since we haven’t seen each other in months.”

Jasper nods and they begin to converse when I feel tiny hands grab the frills on my dress. I look down and see Ash, rubbing his eyes as he yawns.

“Mommy, I smell cookies,” he mumbles.

I chuckle, running my hands through his crimson hair. “Yes, I made cookies, especially for you. Why don’t you go join grandma and grandpa at the table?”

His eyes light up and he boss enthusiastically before bolting down to the dining room. I follow him seconds later and see him happily conversing with Mrs Holden as he sits on her lap.

Ryan and Jasper enter the room a few minutes later and Jasper takes a seat beside Ash, and begins to tease him. I chuckle at their display of pure amusement before tugging on Ryan’s arm.

“Come on, let’s set the table,” I say.

Ryan gives me a nod and we exit the dinning room and make our way to the kitchen. I carefully arrange the centerpiece of crimson poinsettias, while Ryan carries a steaming platter of golden roasted turkey to the table. The savory scent fills the room, making my stomach grumble in anticipation. Smiling, I gesture for Ryan to place the turkey in the center, surrounded by dishes of mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and buttery rolls.

Ryan and I stand side by side at the head of the table. The room fills with the clinking of glasses and the gentle murmurs of Mr. And Mrs. Holden, and Jasper as they shuffle around their seats.

“Pass me the gravy, please,” Mr. Holden requests with a smile, his eyes shining with excitement. I reach for the porcelain boat filled with savory golden liquid and pass it to him, feeling the warmth inside.

As we make our way around the table, Ryan and I continue to distribute the delicious creations we’ve prepared. I place a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes onto Mrs. Holden’s plate, their creamy texture enticing even before they touch her lips. Ryan passes a plate piled high with crispy roasted vegetables to Jasper, who grins appreciatively.

Finally, we arrive at our seats, where Ash eagerly waits, his wide eyes filled with anticipation. I place a small portion of each dish on his plate, ensuring it is suitable for his young palate, and he beams with delight.

With a glance exchanged between Ryan and me, we both take our seats, ready to partake in this joyful gathering. Ryan raises his glass and offers a toast, “To many more years ahead.”

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the soft hum of conversation, we begin to savor the culinary masterpiece before us. The tender turkey melts in my mouth, the flavors of herbs and spices dancing on my tongue. The mashed potatoes, creamy and buttery, create a comforting symphony with the tangy cranberry sauce. The roasted vegetables burst with vibrant colors and flavors, adding a refreshing contrast to the hearty feast.

As we eat, laughter fills the room, and the atmosphere is a calm and peaceful one, something I never imagined could happen. A smile graces my lips as I look around. I decide dig into my food further and enjoy the calming atmosphere surrounding me when the sound of the doorbell ringing catches my attention.

“Did you invite someone else?” Ryan asks, his eyebrow raised.

I shake my head. “Not that I know of. Maybe it’s July, I’ll go check it out.”

I rise from my chair, and make my way to the door. Twisting the knob, I swing the door open slowly and my eyes falls in a familiar face. My breath catches in my throat as I stumble back.

“Mom?”