Whatever It Takes (Bold As Love 3)

Love is putting another person before yourself. Love means doing what's best for the other person, no matter what it means for you. Love is always there. Time can only strengthen love. You can only love someone else if they allow you to and it applies to yourself. To be loved, you must place trust in another person.

13

Emily

The big day is finally here and the house is filled with a delicious aroma. Turkey is cooking in the oven. Deviled eggs, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes, and so much more is being prepared for the five of us.

“I'm thankful for all you do, Dad. Let Jake and I take care of the cooking.”

And so we are. Magic is in the air as Jake and I bustle around the kitchen getting everything ready for the feast.

“Oh man. This food smells so good. I'm going to gain ten pounds!”

“You'll still be beautiful,” Jake says with a kiss on the lips.

I grin even though I don't buy it. In his eyes, I may be beautiful ten pounds heavier, but in my eyes? Negative. An extra ten pounds is ten too many. Stirring the veggies one last time, I ask Jake to check on the turkey.

“All done,” he states proudly as he pulls it out of the oven.

We start setting the table and call the gang into the kitchen. Everyone flops into their respective seat and Dad sits straight in a way that demands attention.

“As per our tradition, we will go around the table and name five things for which we are thankful. I'll go first. I'm thankful for Jake and Drake for all they have done for Emily. I'm thankful for my health, Emily, my job, and to be here with each of you today.”

Dad turns his attention to his left where Mr. Benson is sitting.

“I'm thankful for my sons and to Emily for helping Jake in his forgiveness. I'm thankful for my health and job as well. Last but certainly not least, I'm thankful my boys are healthy.”

Drake is next.

“I'm thankful for everyone here. Hmm.” He places a finger on his chin and contemplates.

“I'm thankful for hockey and the NHL. I'm thankful to have all the things that I need and the extra stuff that I just want. Um...I'm thankful that Emily can make my brother smile.”

Aw. That is so sweet. I tell Drake so and he grins a toothy smile. Next, it is my turn.

“I'm thankful for my father, my health, and Jake's family. I'm thankful for Jake and all he has done for me.” I look over at Jake with sheepish eyes. “I honestly don't know where I would be if it wasn't for that day.”

Jake leans over to place a sweet and short kiss upon my lips.

“It has been my pleasure.”

“Gross! We are at the table you guys,” Drake says in a disgusted voice.

Jake chuckles and tells us, “I'm thankful for everyone at this table, hockey, the health of us all, and to be here today.”

“That's only four Jake,” Drake tells him.

“Right. I'm very thankful for Emily and all she has brought into my life.”

“Let's eat!” Drake exclaims.

Laughing, we all begin to spoon helpings onto our plates. The sound of laughing, clinking of silverware on bowls, scraping of forks, and the aroma of delicious food fill the air. This is one of the best Thanksgiving's ever. I was touched by Jake's words and I meant what I had said.

Thankful doesn't fully express what I feel for Jake. I'm so grateful for him. Excitement fizzes inside of me when Jake slides a hand under the table to rest on my thigh. The want to curl up in his lap and have him hold me rises and builds in my chest. That'll have to wait 'till later I reckon.

To think that if I hadn't of lost the baby, I would be expecting soon. That throws me into another world. It's a struggle to keep myself in the present and not in the past. After a fifteen minute battle, Jake catches on and leans over. I relish in the feel of his breath hitting my neck and block off all other sounds when he speaks.

“Are you okay?” he whispers.