Page 47

Rain

The Red Wolves are on a nine-game winning streak.

I can’t wait to cheer him on tomorrow.

I invited his parents, but I haven’t heard back yet. I just hope everything’s okay—and that fucking Dennis hasn’t ruined my relationship with them before it even started.

I got out of bed at eight and slipped into my routine. I showered. Cooked a light breakfast—I can only imagine the mountain of food Xander ordered.

After doing my skincare and makeup, I pull on the dress I picked for tonight: a black flowy number, with off-the-shoulder sleeves and an ethereal, veil-like skirt. I love how the black makes my red hair pop even more. I pair it up with silver heels that give me a few extra inches.

I hope Xander likes it.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he says, stepping out of our bedroom.

He’s in black suit pants and a crisp white shirt, still in the middle of fixing his black tie. His shoes and jacket are waiting, but holy hell—no one should be allowed to look this good.

Xander in a suit. A gold chain peeking out from his collar. His hair still damp and tousled from the shower. It gives me baby fever. I’d have an entire fucking hockey team with this man.

“Cherry, is everything okay?” he asks, brow furrowed as he crouches in front of me to meet my eyes.

“Yes, of course. It’s just… you look so fucking hot I lost my train of thought for a second.”

He laughs, stands, and gives me a peck on the lips.

“The one who looks breathtaking is you, my love.”

He finishes fixing his tie as I grab my bag, heat rising up my neck. No matter how many sweet things he says, I still blush like a schoolgirl every time.

“Are you ready?” he asks, sliding on his jacket.

I nod, and he takes my hand as we walk to the elevator.

“So,” I ask as the elevator descends to the garage, “why are we picking up food all dressed up?”

“I just thought it would be nice to be ready before we get the food— this way, we can eat as soon as we’re back. I’m starving,” Xander says, and right on cue, his stomach growls.

I still don’t understand why he’s making such a big deal about Thanksgiving. But if he’s happy, I’m happy too.

As he drives toward Five Points, I glance out the window, remembering that cake place we visited the other day. They have like twenty different flavors, and the slices are huge. I hope he ordered one from there.

But then he pulls up in front of a large brick house with a wrought-iron fence, and I frown.

“Is this the place where we’re picking up the food?”

He nods, hopping out and jogging around to open my door.

“Are you cold?” he asks as a crisp gust of wind snakes down my spine.

Before I can answer, he shrugs off his jacket and drapes it over my shoulders. I sigh in relief, smiling at him with gratitude.

How did I forget a coat? It’s November, for Chrissake .

“Hello?” Xander calls as we step inside the house without knocking.

It’s beautiful—two stories, a spiral staircase spilling into the foyer, and to the left, I spot a ballroom with people inside.

“Xander?” I glance at him, confused. “What the heck is going on?”

He grins—the kind of grin that says, wait for it .

The glass doors to the ballroom swing open, and my breath catches.

My entire family is here. Every single one of them.

Even Granny.

And they’re all dressed up.

“Happy Thanksgiving!” they shout in unison.

I turn to Xander, stunned, and find him smiling like a kid who just won the biggest prize at the fair.

“Surprise,” he says, stepping in front of me. “Are you happy?” There’s a flicker of nerves behind his eyes.

“Xander, this is amazing.” My voice cracks as emotion wells in my throat. “I’ve been trying not to think about what they were doing today… and you brought them to us.”

I throw my arms around him, and he hugs me tight.

“I love you, Rain,” he murmurs into my hair. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

He takes my hand, leading me inside to greet my family.

“How were you guys able to keep this from me?” I ask, laughing through the tears as I spot all my brothers in suits.

They all look good. Clean-shaven, polished. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen them like this.

Gio is in a tuxedo, looking sharp, and Ruin stuns in a dark green ball gown, straight out of a fairytale. Her hair is braided and tucked into a low bun. Indigo wears a mini tux, and Sage is a vision in a tiny replica of her mom’s dress.

I want to cry happy tears.

This gorgeous family— my family—is here for me and Xander.

Mama and Granny are glowing in elegant gowns, their hair done up perfectly. They look like royalty.

“When did you get here? Did you come from Azalea Creek already dressed up?” I ask as Mama pulls me into a hug.

“Oh, dear. You look so beautiful,” she says, cupping my face. “The moment Xander told me what he was planning, I rallied the troops. I talked your brothers’ ears off until they agreed to wear suits. We got in last night and stayed here—Xander arranged everything for us and his family.”

She gestures toward the other side of the room, where Xander stands with his parents and Gramps.

I’m so overwhelmed, I hadn’t even realized he wasn’t next to me anymore.

After giving Granny a quick kiss on the cheek, I hurry over to greet Xander’s family.

“Rain, how are you, darling?” Kristine asks, pulling me into a warm hug .

I let out a deep breath, relief washing over me. There’s no resentment, no awkwardness after the Dennis situation in Boston. Just kindness.

“I’m so glad y’all are here,” I say honestly. “I was hoping to see you, but when you didn’t reply to my texts, I lost hope.”

Sam smiles. “We’re truly sorry about that, Rain. But when our son gets an idea in his head, there’s no stopping him. He asked us to keep quiet so the surprise wouldn’t accidentally slip out.”

I lower my gaze, not wanting to see Sam’s reaction. “I wanted to apologize for what you had to witness back in Boston.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for, Rain. I’m glad I was there to help Xander defend you,” he says.

I look up at him and am met with a warm smile.

“That man needs to pay for what he did. But never, ever let him dim your light. You are a wonderful woman, with your whole life ahead of you.”

He opens his arms, and I immediately step into his embrace. Daddy appears in my mind, and I feel like he’s hugging me through Sam.

I shake my head, smiling. “No need to apologize, Sam. I’m just glad everything worked out. I’m very excited for us to go to the game together tomorrow.”

I hug him, and he hugs me back—solid and comforting. Like father, like son.

“Not to be rude or anything,” Miles pipes up from across the room, “but can we eat now?”

I groan, mortified, as laughter ripples through the room.

“Someone had to say it,” Merlin adds. “We’re really happy we’re all together, obviously. But these suits aren’t the most comfortable thing to wear. And if we don’t eat soon, we might have a full-blown MacAllister catastrophe on our hands.”

Granny and Mama smack him—one on the head, one on the chest.

Xander steps beside me, wrapping my arm through his. “Everything should be set for us. I just wanted Rain to take it all in and greet everyone.”

“Amen, brother. Let’s go,” Miles says, already clapping like we’re starting a race.

More chuckles fill the room as everyone heads toward the banquet hall.

A long table stretches across the space, set for a feast, and along the right wall, a buffet line waits like a Thanksgiving dream.

I practically drool at the sight—three kinds of turkey, mountains of stuffing, greens, gravy… My stomach does a happy flip.

Everyone fills their plates and finds a seat at the table. Xander and I sit across from his parents, while Granny is already deep in conversation with Gramps—I don’t even want to know what those two are talking about so animatedly, but I’m glad they’re having a good time.

“Excuse me, everyone. I’d like to say a few words before we begin,” Gramps says, standing, and the room quiets.

“I simply wanted to give thanks—for everything we have and all the blessings we have received this year.”

He turns his gaze to Xander.

“Xander’s recovery is nothing short of extraordinary, and I’m extremely grateful to break bread today with some of the people who made it possible.”

He nods toward Ruin, and my sister blushes.

“I’d also like to give thanks for another year of health—for me and everyone in our families.

It seems like our family grew a lot this year, and I’m grateful you’re all such wonderful people—especially you, Rain.

From the moment I saw you back in the Cape, I knew you were one of a kind, and I thank the heavens my grandson found you. ”

My eyes sting as emotion wells up. This is one of the best Thanksgivings I’ve ever had.

“Finally, I’d like everyone to take a moment and give thanks for something good that happened this year.”

We all bow our heads. I close my eyes, and the first image that forms is Xander and me hiking through the mountains over the summer.

He’s my biggest blessing.

Satisfied with his speech, Gramps takes a seat, and Granny pats his hand excitedly. I can’t hear what she says, but knowing her, she’s probably singing his praises for that heartfelt Thanksgiving toast.

“Are you happy we’re all here?” Ruin asks, settling in beside me.

“I was so happy I got to see you Tuesday and spend time with you,” I say. “But when I left Asheville, it felt like a crater opened in my chest. I don’t know how people live away from their families. I felt like I was dying without you all.”

Ruin smiles as she squeezes my hand. “Your boyfriend is very observant. Gio helped with bringing Granny and Mama on the helicopter while the rest of us drove,” she says.

“But Xander was the one who found this place and arranged everything. He also got a box for tomorrow’s game so the entire family can go watch him play. ”

She leans in, eyes sparkling. “He’s a keeper, Raindrop.”

We both stomp our feet under the table, just like we used to when we were little and couldn’t contain our excitement.

He really is a keeper. I’ll make sure to thank him properly tonight.

Everyone eats and drinks to their heart’s content, laughter and conversation flowing across the table.

Xander’s family blends seamlessly with mine—kind, warm, and ready to joke around in good fun.

The moment I catch Miles untying his tie, I lose it, laughter spilling out before I can stop it. When everyone else notices, the laugh spreads around the room like wildfire.

“I’m sorry, everyone,” Miles says as he stands to refill his plate—for the fourth time. “But I needed a little bit more wiggle room, and the tie was in the way.”

That earns a round of chuckles. I bite back a grin as River immediately starts fumbling with his tie, failing miserably. His eyes lock on Xander.

“Well,” Miles says with a shit-eating grin, “I thought Xander was going to propose to Rain or something and wanted us to look presentable for the pictures. But now I’m not so sure he’s proposing today.”

My eyes widen like saucers.

Leave it to my brother to stir shit up.

Xander clears his throat and stands. Everyone looks at him like he’s the chosen one. And even though I don’t think he’s proposing today, adrenaline rushes through my veins all the same.

“You’re right, Miles,” he says. “Dressing up in formal clothes isn’t exactly traditional Thanksgiving attire, but I wanted to take the opportunity—with our families together—to celebrate Rain and all of her accomplishments.

“She’s flourished since taking over management of the Rustic Spoon remotely. Her creativity in the kitchen has skyrocketed, and I just wanted to show her how in awe I am of her and everything she does.”

He glances at me, voice steady.

“To me, the best way to honor someone is to throw a party for the history books. There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do to see her smile every single day of our lives.”

I thought he just wanted to be fancy. But of course, his meaning ran deeper.

I stand, and Xander wraps his arms around my waist. He leans in to whisper in my ear.

“You are a truly amazing woman, Rain MacAllister. I’m so incredibly thankful for you.”

A tear runs down my cheek as I hug him.

This man never ceases to amaze me.

“I love you, Hotshot. So much.”

We stay there, enjoying being in each other’s arms, when I hear Kristine approaching.

“Oh, Xander. That was such a sweet gesture,” she says. Xander straightens, keeping his arm around my waist as he turns to her.

“But I thought it was because you didn’t want your dad wearing his usual Thanksgiving Hawaiian shirt and ragged jean shorts.”

Xander starts cackling. I release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding and join in.

“I heard that, Kristine,” Sam calls out, walking over with a grin. “Maybe tonight I won’t give you the massage you like so much.”

I’m so thankful that our entire family is here, witnessing this love between Xander and me. It makes my heart feel light as we continue waiting for things with Dennis to finally reach a conclusion.

That’s all I want. To leave the past where it belongs.

Before everyone starts drifting off to nap or watch the football game, Xander looks over at the sleepy twins in Gio and Ruin’s arms.

“I wanted to thank everyone for making this possible,” he says. “I’ll be playing away games for most of the Christmas break, so having our families together today means a lot.”

Everyone starts gathering around us, forming a big circle.

Granny pipes up, “Who would’ve thought that at my age, I’d look like a movie star. Thank you, Xander, for giving us more reasons to be thankful this year.”

Granny hugs Xander next, and I can’t stop the laugh that escapes me when she feels up his back like she’s checking for muscles.

My brothers catch on, and a new round of laughter explodes around the room.

“I promise,” Xander says, voice raised over the noise, “when I propose to Rain, no one will see it coming. I’m working hard to blow her mind.”

My brothers hoot and holler like a bunch of teenagers.

I just shake my head at their antics, but the thought of Xander already planning a proposal?

My heart rate blasts off into outer space.

I can’t wait to be his wife.