“Can I just say ditto?” Nick asks after leaning over and planting a kiss on Harley that has her dad squirming in his seat.

“Yes, because I might throw up if I have to hear any more from the two of you.” Gemma rips off a chunk of her roll and throws it at Nick, who happily picks it up and eats it.

“My turn,” Mrs. Roberts volunteers. “I’m so thankful for my lovely daughter, and I’m so thankful she ended up stuck with all of you. And I’m thankful you continue to let the old folks hang out with you all, year after year.”

Mr. Roberts clears his throat.

“Oh, and I’m thankful for my husband. Of course.” She flashes him a blinding smile.

“And I’m thankful for you, my darling.” He pats Harley on the hand. “And you, my darling.”

Gemma takes a long swig of her wine. “Not going to lie, guys, there’s been some times lately when I haven’t felt all that grateful.”

Harley and I exchange a heavy look across the table.

“But even though shit sucks sometimes, I know I can always count on everyone in this room to support me, and I’m very thankful for that.”

I reach in front of Jack and squeeze her hand. When I pull my hand back, my arm brushes up against Jack’s chest and his breath hitches at the contact.

Technically it should be Jack’s turn since he’s next to Gemma, but I decide to jump in and go first. “I have a lot to be thankful for this year, namely everyone sitting at this table. Thank you all for supporting me when I decided to pull the ultimate millennial move and open my own florist business. Thank you for listening to me plan and whine and complain, and thank you for making deliveries and pitching in any time I needed help.” I angle myself slightly toward Jack. “And thank you, Jack, for being literally the world’s best landlord and letting me live in your beautiful home for such a pittance it should be an actual crime. None of this would’ve ever happened without you and your generosity, so thank you.”

The corners of his lips turn up in the sweetest smile and he gives me a look filled with such powerful emotion, if I didn’t know any better, I might call it love.

Jack clears his throat, turning his attention to the table at large. “This might sound like a cop-out, but honestly, the thing I’m most thankful for in this moment is Thanksgiving.” He pauses, clearing his throat again. “It’s been a long time since I celebrated any sort of holiday, and for many years now, I assumed a scene like this, being surrounded by family, just wasn’t in the cards for me.”