“Whatever it is, we’ll figure it all out.”
“I don’t get why he showed up.”
“He showed up to make a point. He was so sure by now you would need him and agree to whatever he wanted.” Patrick winked. “I guess you showed him.”
“He won’t be back, that’s for sure.”
“Thank goodness,” Maggie muttered.
I shook my head. “Can you check Maggie out?”
“I’m fine. I didn’t hit the floor. I bumped my hip.”
“He touched you.”
“Sebastian, I’m fine.”
Just to appease me, Patrick did a quick check, making sure she was fine. Then he left us alone. I wrapped her in my arms, grateful she was with me.
“Are you okay?” she whispered.
“I am. I’m a little embarrassed by his behavior and pissed off he interrupted our night, but I’m okay.”
She studied my face, worry etched in her expression. “Did you see how everyone was ready to defend you, Sebastian? Your father was outnumbered. If anyone should be embarrassed, it’s him.”
“You’re right. Still…”
She cupped my face, her touch grounding me the way it always did. “We can talk about it later, but really, I’m fine. I am glad he’s gone, though.”
“You were brilliant.” I kissed her. “You stood up for me like a little lioness.”
“He was a jackass.”
“I know.”
She lifted her chin. “I’m not sorry.”
I kissed her again. “Thank you. And I’m glad he’s gone too.”
She smiled. “Then let’s go back to our family.”
I kissed again. “Yeah, Angel. Our family.”
The next day, the table groaned with food. I had been smelling the enticing aromas since I woke up. It had taken me a long time to fall asleep. My father’s words, his anger and indifference, had troubled me. Seeing him again unnerved me. It was Maggie pulling me to her chest, stroking her fingers through my hair and talking about the dinner, our friends, and the upcoming holidays that finally relaxed me. She was what mattered. Our life together. My father had made his choice.
I looked around the full table, smiling. Eleanor and Patrick, our pseudo parents. Connie—my grandmother—because she refused to hear the word half or step. Our friends Amber and Finn. Chris and his newfound love Mandy.
And my Maggie.
I lifted my glass. “A toast, if you will.”
“Hear, hear!” Patrick said, slapping the table.
I met Maggie’s eyes, leaning over and kissing her cheek.
“I followed this woman here, hoping for a new start. I never expected to find what I did. Joy. Love. Friendship. Family. Home. I found all that with all of you.” I lifted my glass higher.
“But especially my beautiful fiancée. Here’s to my fierce, brave, wonderful Maggie.”
Everyone toasted her, and I sat down, smiling at her blush that stained her cheeks so prettily.
“Happy Thanksgiving, Angel,” I murmured, leaning close.
“Are you okay?” she whispered.
I knew why she was asking. “I’m perfect.”
“I love you. Thanks for being here,” she added with a wink.
I kissed her softly.
“Wherever you are, Angel. That’s where I’ll be.”
She smiled. “Home,” she whispered.
And she was right.
I’d come home.
The Coming Home Series … Let love guide you home.
Each story in this series is crafted around the same premise—what does it mean to come home?
Twelve standalone stories, one per month from a different author, will fill you with heat and heart.
Welcome home.