“Fortunately, this one came dead,” Sharon replied. “Boys, put away the game and help Grandma to the table.”

After we had all settled in at the table, Sharon and Scott held hands and Sharon said, “Nick, will you say a prayer over the food.”

“I’d be happy to,” he said. He took my hand, and we all bowed our heads.

“Dear Father in Heaven, we are grateful for this day to consider our blessings. We are grateful for the abundance of our lives. We are grateful to be together, safe and well. We ask a blessing to be upon this home and Scott and Sharon and their family. Please bless them for their generosity and love. We are grateful that Elise has joined us this year and ask that she might feel as blessed as she makes others feel. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

I looked over at him. “Thank you. That was sweet.”

“He says the best prayers,” Sharon said. “That’s why we always ask him to pray.”

“I want turkey,” Wilma said.

“Scott, get her some turkey,” Sharon said. “Just white meat.”

Scott was right: there was no way we were leaving the table hungry. There was turkey, corn-bread stuffing, pecan-crusted candied yams, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet corn, Parker House rolls, apple-pineapple salad, and green beans with bacon. By the time we were through eating, I was too full for pie. We all helped with the dishes. Then Nicholas said, “I think I need a walk.”

“I’ll join you,” I said.

We retrieved our coats and went outside. The sun had just fallen below the western mountains, and we walked out into the middle of the vacant, snow-packed street. Nicholas turned to me. “Having fun?”

“Yes. They’re nice people. Grandma’s a hoot.”

“I know. Every year they say this is her last year, but it never is. I think she’ll outlive all of us. When death comes for her, she’ll slap his face and tell him to get her a Dr Pepper, no ice.”

I laughed. “Why do you think old age does that to people?”

“I don’t know. Old age seems to make some people meaner and some sweeter. Maybe it’s just an amplifier.” I slipped on a patch of ice, and Nicholas grabbed my arm. I noticed that he didn’t let go. “So how does this compare to your normal Thanksgiving?”

“The food is better. The company is much better.”

“I’m sure the harem isn’t the same without you.”

“Dan will survive.”

“So what is Dan like? Or have I crossed the line of addendum one.”

“We have pretty much obliterated addendum one,” I said. “How do I describe Dan?” I thought a moment then said, “His good side, he’s not bad-looking and he’s ambitious. He has big dreams. Not really practical ones, but big. At least he did when we were dating.”