Carrie was an amazing mother. She was patient, and she doled out the same lessons their mother had taught them, with just as much gentleness and enthusiasm.

Rosie bounced in her seat. “Papa Tank, it’s your turn!”

Tank had one arm around Leah, and the other cradled baby Leo. “I’m thankful for my sweet girls, my loud-crying little man, my patient, gorgeous wife, and all the other people who put up with me in this world.” He kissed the baby’s forehead. “I’m also thankful for not getting blown up this year.”

There were murmurs of agreement. Tobias had heard the story about Tank saving children from a burning building and the terrifying life-changing events of that night.

“Blown up?” Carrie asked. “Did I miss something?”

“Let’s just say that last year was a tough Thanksgiving, and we’re all thankful Tank is still with us,” Conroy said.

They continued going around the table, mentioning loved ones and successes. When they reached Maverick, his eyes glowed with pride as he pulled Chloe close and said, “We’re thankful for the baby we have on the way,” inciting cheers, congratulations, and toasts.

As the excitement calmed, Reba said, “Dibs on babysitting,” and everyone laughed.

“Way to steal our thunder, man.” Gunner shook his head.

Everyone looked at Gunner and Sid expectantly.

“Is Sid pregnant, too?” Ginger asked hopefully.

“Good Lord, no,” Sid said flatly, causing more chuckles. “We don’t need more babies. We have enough of the four-legged variety. We finally chose a wedding season.”

“A wedding season?” Madigan asked.

“Yes. We want to get married next summer, but we haven’t decided on a date yet,” Sid explained. “And I guess that’s a good thing since Chloe’s pregnant. Chloe, when are you due?”

“Mid-June,” she said. “But first babies can be late, so give or take a week, I think.”

“Okay, so no June wedding. Anyone else have summer plans?” Gunner asked.

Everyone shook their heads.

“July or August it is, then,” Gunner said.

“Summer weddings are beautiful,” Ginger added.

Madigan rubbed her hands together with a mischievous look in her eyes. “Does this mean we can start planning?”

“Yes, please,” Gunner said. “If Sid has it her way, we’ll just pop into the courthouse with no fanfare and come out married.”

“Now, that sounds like my Sidekick,” Sid’s father said with a wink.

“What can I say?” Sid sipped her wine. “I’m low-maintenance.”

“A low-maintenance woman? What the heck is that?” Preacher teased, and Reba swatted him.