Pamela adjusted her lavender top as she pointed to the door we passed by. “This is Brooklyn’s room. Aiden’s room is down the hall.” We stopped in front of a door that Pamela opened. “And this is your room.” We entered the third door on the right. “I hope this is okay, Kenzie. If not, there are other rooms, but I thought you’d like being close to Brooklyn.”
“No, this is perfect.” I took in the room and had never stayed somewhere as lavish as this with the huge chestnut-colored bed. The room felt regal with the hunter-green and burgundy colored decorum. Turning back to Pamela, I remembered my manners. “Your home is beautiful. Thank you for inviting me to be part of Thanksgiving with your family.”
Aiden grabbed my hand and gave me a wink.
Pamela had followed us into the room as she spoke, “Oh, sweetie, we are so glad to have you. I’m sure you thought I was a little overbearing with how many questions I asked. I wanted this to feel like a home away from home.”
Aiden hadn’t asked me anything, but I glanced his way. The deer in the headlights look told me he hadn’t expected for his mom to say anything.
I looked back at Pamela. “It’s all made me feel welcome. I appreciate it.”
Pamela gave me another quick hug. “Good. That was the intention.”
Kenneth walked into the room with our things. “Here you guys go.” As the bags dropped they made a thud sound.
Giving a warm smile, I said, “Thank you, Kenneth.”
“You’re welcome.” To the group, he asked, “Are we still on for the movie tonight?”
Aiden had told me about the family traditions as we talked about everything we were going to do while here. However, I let him explain. “Every year we watch Christmas Vacation prior to Thanksgiving Day. We pop popcorn and go to the media room. Does that sound good to you, Kenzie?”
All eyes shifted to me. Like I would ask them to change their family plans. No way. “Yes, that sounds wonderful. I love that movie.”
The warmness from everyone brought happiness to my heart. I tried to relax, but still felt stiff and unnatural. Pamela and Kenneth said they’d meet us in the media room in an hour when Brooklyn got back from visiting a friend. Mike hadn’t been able to come since he’d flown to Florida to see his own family.
When we were alone, Aiden turned me to him. “See, I told you they’d love you. You still seem nervous, sweetheart.”
Trying to expel some of the nervous energy, I shifted from foot to foot. “I’m afraid of doing something wrong. This is a different dynamic for me.”
“They already love you.”
Dragging his nose along mine, I calmed. He repeated the motion and I let out a breath. “That’s my girl.” His lips touched mine as he whispered against them, sending a shiver down my back. “I wish I could have you right now.”
Groaning, I tried to keep reason in the situation. “Your parents!”
My eyes were closed and I could sense a smile on his face. Taking my hand he led me out of the room to show me around. Part of me wished I wasn’t the reasonable one at times.
IT WAS AFTER midnight.
We were finishing up Christmas Vacation. Clark Griswold never got old. Well, at least the two times I’d seen it. The parts that were funny had become funnier as the colloquialisms made sense. Though my movie knowledge was limited, I had a feeling he would always be an all-time favorite of mine.
Pamela and Kenneth stretched before standing. I loved how Kenneth put his arm around Pamela’s waist similar to how Aiden did it to me.
Grabbing the empty popcorn containers, Pamela spoke, “We’re going to bed. I’ll do a big breakfast when everyone gets up.”
Brooklyn and Aiden high-fived as the both said in unison, “Pancakes!”
Apparently, Pamela made the best chocolate chip banana pancakes. As everyone hugged each other, I knew I had fallen for Aiden’s family. They were kind and good-hearted. Being together like this reminded me of time
s with my mom. No, we hadn’t been watching movies, but the feeling of family was strong. I felt like I belonged and I hadn’t had that feeling in a long time.
Folding the blanket I had been using, Brooklyn texted someone. “I’m going to call Mike. He’s been waiting for me.” She gave me a wink.
Aiden rolled his eyes while I responded, “Tell him we said hello.”
“Oh, I will.” There was no missing the innuendo in Brooklyn’s tone. Aiden shook his head and closed his eyes. He tried to ignore Brooklyn and Mike when it came to this sort of thing.
Brooklyn laughed at Aiden’s unpleasant face. I loved the camaraderie between siblings. Brooklyn blew a kiss our way. “Night guys. No making a lot of noise in the next room.”