“She reminds me of your mother with that light in her eyes.” His expression warmed. “What did your mom used to say about you and Carrie? Kissed by the stars?”

He smiled with the memory. “She’d say we’d been kissed by the moon and sung to by the stars.”

“That’s it. She always had those special sayings, and she knew just when to bring them out.”

The longing in his father’s voice and the faraway look in his eyes made Tobias realize that if he missed Madigan when she was right across the room, it was no wonder his father had nearly lost his mind when he’d lost the love of his life.

“Your mother would have liked her.”

“Yeah, I think she would have.” He turned to the man who had caused him so much grief, had unknowingly made him stronger, and was pointedly trying to repair the damage he’d done, and he filled with gratitude. “I’m really glad you’re here, Dad.”

His father’s face brightened. “Me too, son, and I have a feeling your little lady had a lot to do with that.”

“She has a lot to do with everything good in my life.”

Conroy and Preacher came out of the kitchen, each carrying a platter with a turkey on it, and Preacher said, “Who’s ready to eat?”

There was a rush of chaos as the four families settled around the two long tables that ran from the dining room into the living room.

“You know it’s been a good year when your Thanksgiving table gets a little bigger, and for that I’m more than grateful,” Preacher said. “Thank you all for allowing us to be part of your holiday. Each of you has added something valuable to our lives.”

Masking his words with a cough, Zander said, “Except Zeke.”

Preacher glowered at him. “How about we go around the table and share what we’re thankful for. I think we’ll start with you, Zander.”

Zander set a flirtatious gaze on Carrie. “I’m thankful for the gorgeous new face across the table.”

Zeke swatted him, Blaine glowered, and Carrie grinned.

“Moving on,” Preacher said, and one by one they shared what they were thankful for.

Tobias had been counting his blessings all day, most of which were right there in front of him. At this time last year, he was behind bars, with no foreseeable future and feeling like he’d be alone for the rest of his life. Now here he was, overflowing with reasons to be thankful, starting with the blue-eyed beauty sitting beside him.

“I’m thankful for Toe,” Rosie announced. “And Lynnie Loo, and Junie, and my baby—”

“Our baby,” Junie reminded her.

“Baby!” Lynnie squealed, and pointed to baby Leo from her perch between Tobias and Carrie.

“That’s right, sweetheart,” Carrie said.