Page 133 of Julian

As the food circled the table, Julian put some from each dish onto Kiara’s plate and then his own. He didn’t miss the looks, combined with smirks, from his sisters, but he ignored them.

After putting some turkey on Kiara’s plate, he cut it up, then moved the plate back in front of her.

“Thanks,” she said with a smile. “I’ve figured out how to eat with one hand, but cutting food up is still a struggle.”

“It was nice of Julian to do that for you,” Elizabeth said.

“We’ve discovered that things work well when the non-baby-holding parent helps the baby-holding one.”

“You’ve developed a good partnership,” Annie observed. “Will you do that for me, babe?”

Cole chuckled. “I can hardly say no. Julian has set a high standard for postpartum fatherhood.”

“You’re welcome,” Julian said, shooting Annie a grin.

Julian had never enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner. It was usually tense, and he hated that at some point, he’d have to share what he was thankful for. He’d been sure it was Elizabeth’s idea, and the only thing he ever said he was thankful for was whatever alcoholic beverage he was drinking.

That would not be the case this year. He had a long list of things he planned to share, and alcohol was nowhere on that list.

He wasn’t the only person who had experienced a lot of changes over the past year, so he had a feeling that that portion of the evening would end up taking longer than usual.

The food was amazing. Now that he wasn’t numbing himself and his taste buds with copious amounts of alcohol, he could appreciate how delicious it was.

“Why don’t we move to the family room?” Elizabeth suggested after they’d finished their dessert. “I’ve asked Mrs. Stephens to prepare some coffee and hot chocolate for us there.”

Julian took the baby from Kiara, then they walked with the others to the family room. One of Mrs. Stephens’ daughters was in the room, setting up the drinks on the buffet that was arranged against the wall.

Annie spoke to her for a moment, asking about her son, then she began to pour the hot drinks for everyone. Kiara set the diaper bag down by her feet but didn’t take the baby from Julian.

He was glad. While he’d wanted to show Kiara his love by helping her out, the truth was, he truly enjoyed helping with TJ. And he now had a complete understanding of Duncan’s protectiveness when it came to his children.

Looking down at his son, Julian was convinced he’d go after anyone who even looked at TJ the wrong way.

“I’m so happy to see how our family has expanded this year,” Elizabeth said, a warm smile on her face. “It is so wonderful to have new spouses, and now, a new grandchild join us. So much to be thankful for.”

“As we’ve done each year, let’s take some time to share what we’re thankful for,” Duncan said, then looked to his right where Cole sat with Annie. “Would you like to start, Cole?”

“I wouldloveto start,” he said.

As people shared over the next little while, Julian wasn’t surprised by anything that was said. And he was sure that people wouldn’t be surprised by what he shared when it was his turn.

When it got to Benji, the young man muttered, “Not feeling very thankful today, to be honest. Maybe next year.”

No one forced him to say anything. Julian certainly understood the struggle to voice thankfulness when someone was at a low point in their life.

“Like Elizabeth said, there is much to be thankful for,” Kiara began. “And I feel especially thankful this year, starting with you, Duncan.”

Duncan focused his attention on Kiara, his expression stoic.

“You took me into your family when you didn’t have to. You and Elizabeth gave me a place to belong, and I am so very thankful for that. I’m also so thankful for Angie. She’s always been the bright spot in my world, and I’m glad that I didn’t lose her this year.”

“Never!” Angela said as she leaned over and touched Kiara’s hand. “I will always be there for you.”

“I know, and I’m very thankful for that. You also have been a big encouragement in helping me understand and accept Jesus into my heart, for which I’m grateful. I’m also thankful for Julian and the way he’s stepped up to help me with TJ. He’s gone above and beyond, and I don’t take it for granted at all.” She smiled at him. “I’m thankful to God for… uh… for having you in my life. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Julian had so much he wanted to say to her, but they weren’t things to be shared in public like this. And maybe not even just yet. At first, their conversations had circled around TJ and taking care of him, but then, they’d realized they had each given their hearts to God.

With them both being new to the faith, they’d had several talks about what it meant. They were some of the deepest conversations they’d ever had, and in those moments, Julian felt that they were forging a lasting connection. One that was stronger and deeper than any he’d shared before.