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And some of us learn to embrace the magic of everymoment.

T hanksgiving was Kate’s favorite holiday, at least for today.

She had all of the Hazard Historical Society at her table, along with Malory, Marjorie’s granddaughter (now the town’s newly elected mayor), Ivy and Jaxon, and even Ivy’s sister Holly.

Jaxon’s little Scottie dog, normally well behaved, kept barking at shadows—which didn’t bother Kate at all.

Her two newly hired maids, college students who hadn’t traveled home to their families, added their limitless energy to Kate’s first holiday gathering.

Her dining table was full, but for one spot.

And then Rory appeared. She’d double checked earlier that her doors were locked, so he must have come through the tunnels. His secret entrance to her inn, just like his secret entrance to her heart.

He stepped close and the scent of him overrode her senses, a mix of a bit outdoorsy, slightly dusty electronics, and leather. She took a deep whiff as his hands stroked down her arms to catch hold of her hand.

“I couldn’t stay away. Seven hours on a plane.

Four miserable hours in airports, but all so worth it for this.

” He tugged her close, whisking her into the kitchen.

He cupped her face and leaned in for a lingering kiss.

He spoke against her lips. “You have me for twenty-four idyllic hours before I have to catch a flight back to California.”

Eyes closed and basking in their stolen moment, Kate held on, her arms tight around him. “Perfect, now I have even more to be thankful for.”

“We’re so blessed.”

She looked into his eyes, and grinned. “That says it all.”

In unison, they cocked their heads to listen to the sounds coming from the dining room. “I think they’re starting without us.”

In her high, clear, sweet voice, Ivy was singing the Hazard blessing:

Thou wholoveth,

Be blessed amongstus.

With breathbestoweth

Thy heart.

Thou whodwelleth,

Find home amongstus.

With heartbestoweth

Thy song.

Kate leaned into him. “That’s what I call a genuine Thanksgiving prayer.” Hand in hand, they strolled into the dining room just in time to see Jaxon’s little Scottie dog dash off, chasing shadows on the wall.