Rialto (Unbreakable Bonds 8)

A few minutes later, Sonja and Nicole announced that dinner was ready. Ian jumped up and helped Hollis prepare plates for Thomas and Tyler. They managed to get them to the table, but seating had to be rearranged so that Daciana was next to the twins. Stefan was tucked in his nearby Pack ’n Play and asleep again with a full belly and clean diaper.

With his own plate piled full of food in front of him, Ian stopped and looked down the long table at the family spread around him. More than a decade ago, he’d had his first Thanksgiving with this family. Then it had just been him, Snow, Lucas, and Rowe around a small table loaded with food he’d cooked.

Now there were so many of them smiling and laughing. His family had grown so much over the years, and he’d never expected this. Hoped, maybe, but never really thought it was possible.

Across the table, he caught Hollis staring at him with a knowing smile. Ian lifted his glass and his smile grew to see the others do the same as if they’d expected it from him.

“To family.”