“I guess,” Jace allows.

He and his siblings all make identical faces of disgust when Mrs. Dawson gives Mr. Dawson a kiss on the cheek.

“Mom, Dad, I’m eating here,” Max complains.

“Anyway,” Mrs. Dawson continues, ignoring her son. “We were invited to the wedding. I replied yes, but that was before I knew you would be home. I’m sure Susie will understand if I tell her we can’t make it now.”

Claire pouts in her seat next to me. “Then I won’t be able to wear the new dress I got from Caroline!”

“We’ll find another time for you to wear it,” Mrs. Dawson replies.

Jace looks at me from his seat across the table. “Do you want to go?”

All of the Dawsons turn to look at me as well.

“Uh, well, unlike Claire, I don’t have anything that I could wear to a wedding—”

“How is that even possible?” Jace interrupts. “You brought two suitcases of clothes!”

I roll my eyes at him. “You all should go, though.” I smile at Claire. “I want to see your new dress.”

“You don’t have to worry about that, dear,” Mrs. Dawson tells me. “We can certainly get you something to wear. The wedding will be casual. They’re holding both the ceremony and reception at their farm.”

Claire looks at me hopefully.

“Okay, then.” I watch her face light up with glee. “I’m in.”

“All right, then,” Jace confirms, looking over at his mother.

Mrs. Dawson looks surprised, but doesn’t comment further.

Dinner turns to a discussion of the Fulton High football game tomorrow, which Mike will be playing in. I had no idea the Thanksgiving football tradition extended past college, but I keep that to myself, knowing it’ll likely set me up for ridicule from Jace about my lack of football knowledge.

I eat the delicious meal and listen to Jace and Mr. Dawson give Mike suggestions for plays to run and techniques to implement. He acts annoyed by their suggestions, but I notice he listens closely in a way that suggests he actually values their input.

After dinner, Jace, Mike, and I start a movie in the living room. I only make it through an hour before I say good night to them and head back to my cozy bedroom.

As soon as I’ve changed and gotten ready for bed, I pull out my phone to see Julie sent a message earlier, checking in. I quickly reply, saying I’m fine. I make certain my location settings are still showing me in Michigan, then promptly pass out on the soft mattress.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

I emerge from my room on Thanksgiving morning, freshly showered and dressed, to find the Dawsons all standing in the front hallway next to the row of cubbies.

The only one missing is Mike, who left a couple hours ago to get ready for the game. The Dawsons are each sporting some variation of Fulton Football apparel. Mrs. Dawson is wearing a baseball cap, the twins are wearing faded jerseys, and Mr. Dawson, Claire, and Jace are all wearing sweatshirts.