Chapter 30
Thanksgiving
“Are you sure he said he was coming?” Carrie asked for the third time in an hour.
Everyone understood her excitement. Although she had been too young to remember anything about Silas Kingston, what Skylar had shared with Logan about Silas offering for her, too, wanting her to have a better life without Edwina, had touched her.
“I’m positive, Carrie,” Logan said, smiling. “I got the call yesterday. He apologized for waiting until the last minute to respond, but I told him it didn’t matter. We all wanted to meet him.”
It was Thanksgiving Day, and mostly everyone had arrived the day before.
Thea and Jeremiah were in the kitchen, and the smell of delicious food filled the house.
Kim, her husband Lloyd, and their twin sons had arrived that morning, and the twins were eager to meet the real-life rodeo cowboy who would be coming with their aunt Dani.
Everyone was also curious about the man accompanying Haven. All she’d said was that he was someone she’d met during the month she had been in Arizona. They figured he was another medical researcher.
Jeremiah and Thea had a spacious dining room, big enough to accommodate everyone. Since the majority of the food had been cooked last night, most of the men were in the family room watching a football game. From all the hooting and hollering, it was apparent someone’s team was winning.
The one topic no one would discuss was Edwina, and who, if anyone, would be visiting her. Carrie and Lance were still listed in the ‘will not’ category. The others were possible maybe’s, but no definite decisions had been made.
Dani and her cowboy arrived around one o’clock.
Wade walked in, dressed in jeans, a Western shirt, and a Stetson.
Like Richard, it was obvious that he was a Texan, through and through.
It didn’t take long for anyone to see just how taken Dani and Wade were with each other, making it crystal clear that Steve was out of the picture for good.
The women quickly pulled Dani aside to congratulate her on wrangling the ruggedly handsome cowboy.
“Did Skylar Kingston say what time he was coming?” Lance asked Logan. Like his sister, he was eager to meet his half-brother.
Before Logan could answer, the doorbell rang. “That’s either Haven or Skylar since they are the only two who haven’t arrived yet. I’ll go open the door.”
“I’ll go with you,” Carrie said, rushing behind him.
“We will all go,” Lance said, pulling his brother Lyle with him.
“And what if it’s Haven? She’ll wonder why we all rushed to the door, as if we want to gang up on her new boyfriend or something,” Lyle said.
“We haven’t seen her since the twins’ christening, so we’ll be welcoming her back from Arizona,” Lance replied.
When Logan, surrounded by his siblings, opened the door, he found both Haven and Skylar standing there together.
Like everyone else, he figured they must have arrived at the same time.
“Welcome back, Haven,” Logan said, giving her a hug.
Then he held out his hand to Skylar, “Welcome, Skylar. I’m glad you could make it. ”
Skylar shook his hand. “Thanks for inviting me.”
When everyone stepped back, the couple entered. Everybody was glad to see Haven, but was curious about Skylar. “Go get Pop out of the kitchen,” Logan told one of the twins. “Let him know Skylar is here so he can make the official introductions.”
Skylar smiled when he saw the man he knew to be Jeremiah move through the crowd, accompanied by an attractive older woman. Jeremiah introduced himself and Thea and then welcomed Skylar to their home. Then, he introduced everyone.
It took a while, but when all the introductions were finished, Jeremiah said to Skylar, “You and Logan have already met, and since you and Haven arrived at the same time, I assume the two of you have met, too, but now the rest of the crew will have a chance to get to know you.” He turned to Haven.
“I guess your fellow couldn’t make it. Or is he arriving later? ”
Skylar and Haven smiled at each other. Everyone was surprised when Skylar took Haven’s hand in his, and she moved closer to his side. When Haven had everyone’s attention, she said, “Skylar is my fellow. We met in Arizona, but only recently found out about our family connection.”
“W-What?” A chorus of questions broke out. Finally, Jeremiah raised his hand to get order, then he asked for clarification, “Are you saying that you and Skylar are dating?”
Haven nodded, grinning. “We’ve been seeing each other exclusively for about six weeks now.”
Skylar glanced over at Logan. “When we met in San Francisco, I had no idea about the connection. I only discovered it a few days ago when I visited Haven in Chicago and saw Jeremiah and Thea’s wedding photo on her desk.
The two people I immediately recognized in it were you and Haven.
Imagine my shock. After Haven told me the names of the others in the photo, I knew there was a connection. ”
“I recall that night at dinner, you said you had met someone and had fallen in love. To think it was Haven. Small world,” Logan said, smiling.
“What a coincidence,” Lyle said, grinning.
“What are the odds of something like that happening?” Lance said, shaking his head.
“I think it was meant to be,” Carrie said, happily.
Skylar nodded. “I agree, Carrie,” he said, looking lovingly at Haven. “It was meant to be.”
Everyone gathered around the living room while Skylar and Haven shared how they met.
It was obvious to anyone who noticed that the two were in love, just like Dani and Wade.
Jeremiah and Thea were filled with happiness for their family.
Today was truly a day of Thanksgiving—a day to rejoice, be thankful, and appreciate those you love.
When everyone was seated at the dining room table, and before saying grace, Jeremiah thanked God for a year of blessings for his beautiful wife, three additional daughters, two more sons-in-law, Dani’s new guy, three additional grandchildren, and for delivering another son to love to his doorstep today.
Haven knew Jeremiah’s words claiming Skylar as another son, touched him deeply.
Dinner was delicious ─ everyone had offered to bring a covered dish, but Jeremiah and Thea had wanted to prepare everything themselves.
There was even more reason to be thankful when Libby and Richard announced they were expecting.
Libby laughingly explained that she discovered she was pregnant the day before they left for their cruise.
However, she withheld the news from Richard until they were in Paris.
So, their trip went from a ‘make-a-baby’ agenda to one of celebrating their love and commitment to each other and their growing family.
Wade invited everyone to attend the opening show for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, and he answered the endless questions Kim and Lloyd’s twin sons had about being a cowboy.
Haven was happy at how easily Skylar connected with his siblings.
After dinner, he wasted no time joining the guys in the family room to watch football.
He warned them that he was a big San Francisco 49ers fan and was surprised to discover that Lyle was, too.
Of course, Logan was a Buccaneer fan; Lance and Connor were Chicago Bears fans; and Richard and Wade were Dallas Cowboys fans all the way.
Family gatherings were going to get even more interesting…
The women convinced Jeremiah to step aside while they helped Thea put away the leftovers and clean up the kitchen.
It was time for girl talk. Of course, everyone wanted to know the details of how Haven and Dani had met such great guys and had fallen in love in a month.
Dani and Haven both agreed that their whirlwind romances had been something out of a dream. Almost fated.
Dani explained that she was leaving the decision to Wade as to when they should move their relationship forward. She wanted him to know, for certain, that she was over Steve. In the meantime, she said with a naughty look on her face, she would do everything in her power to convince him.
Haven had shared that she was looking forward to seeing where things led with her and Skylar.
Even with their whirlwind romance, it was essential that they take the time to get to know each other before making any plans.
And though things had started out quickly, she had no regrets.
Neither Haven and Dani had any issues with engaging in long-distance relationships—not when incredible men like Skylar and Wade were the reward.
After the kitchen cleanup and the football games had ended, Skylar, with Haven by his side, made an announcement.
“Today, I am overwhelmed by all the love I feel from all of you. Thank you. However, I can’t forget what brought me here, how we found out about each other.
Edwina’s letters asking for forgiveness. ”
He let out a deep breath. “Each one of us has our own personal reason for feeling the way we do about Edwina. She was not a kind person, and that is probably an understatement. I never knew her, and considering everything I’ve heard about her, I was very lucky she decided to sell me to my father.
I know that sounds appalling, but that’s exactly what she did.
Sold me to him. I think some sons would despise her for doing such a thing, and for a while, I did.
But when I think about my life as Silas Kingston’s son, I truly would not have wanted it any other way.
I actually want to thank her for doing the right thing, even if was for the wrong reason. ”
He glanced at Haven, as if she gave him the strength to say what was coming next.
“That is why on Monday morning, I will be contacting the Oklahoma Federal Prison to implement Edwina’s release to me through the Compassionate Release Program.
I will use one of my condos in San Francisco, equip it with all the necessary medical equipment, and provide around-the-clock nursing care.
I will make her final days as comfortable and peaceful as possible.
Not that I particularly think they deserve to be, but because deep down I believe that, although she hurt him deeply, it’s what my father would want me to do. ”
He then turned to Jeremiah and Thea. “Another reason I’m doing it is so the two of you won’t.”
Gasps sounded around the room at the idea that Jeremiah and Thea might even consider doing such a thing. “How did you know?” Jeremiah asked in a voice choked up with emotion, and a noticeable sheen in his eyes.
A smile touched Skylar’s lips. “Because you’re a lot like my father. A good, honest, and caring man who believes deeply in his faith. I find it sad that in her lifetime, Edwina was truly and deeply loved by two wonderful men--you and my dad--and she ultimately ended up hurting you both.”
Skylar shifted his gaze to Thea. “In just the short time I’ve gotten to know you, Thea, I believe you’re the type of woman who will do anything for Jeremiah. You will support whatever he decides to do because you know he has a good heart.”
He lifted Haven’s hand to his lips. “I believe I have found such a person in Haven. Like her name, she has become my safe place. And if it’s the last thing I do, I will always be hers.”
It was past midnight when Skylar and Haven returned to her apartment. Once the door closed behind them, he gathered her in his arms and kissed her deeply. “I am truly a blessed man, Haven. Today, I feel so thankful to have met the Montgomerys.”
“And I believe they feel the same about you. I can already see some solid relationships in the making.”
So could he. Lance had invited everyone to his island for Christmas, Richard and Libby planned to throw a New Year’s bash on their ranch, and Skylar had invited everyone to San Francisco to celebrate a special event at the end of January. He knew Haven assumed the celebration was for his birthday.
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her again, thinking he would never get tired of this.
When he pulled his mouth away, he took her hand and eased down on one knee.
“I know you might think I am rushing things, and maybe I am, but I can’t stand the thought of waiting any longer to make you mine. ”
He pulled a small white box from the pocket of his jacket and asked, “Will you marry me, Haven? And before you ask, when you ladies were busy in the kitchen, I got Jeremiah’s blessing.”
Wiping tears from her eyes, Haven said, “Yes, Skylar, I will marry you. I promise I’ll be the wife you want and need.”
“You already are everything I want and need,” he said, sliding the ring on her finger.
Her mouth dropped at the sight of it. The diamond was blinding, and it was a perfect fit. “Oh, my. It’s beautiful.”
“And you are most deserving. Just so you know, the party I’m having at the Ace Bar at the end of January is to celebrate our engagement. But just a warning ─ Dante doesn’t want us to have a long one. He says he needs an extended vacation and won’t take it until after our wedding.”
“Then we can’t keep him waiting, can we?” she asked, smiling happily.
“No, we can’t.” Skylar pulled her closer and gave her another kiss. Then he swept her into his arms and headed for the bedroom. He was a very happy and thankful man.