Epilogue
There was a lot to be thankful for, Lexi thought as she put on the earrings Will had given her. Beautiful square diamonds that he said were every bit as real as her ring and his love for her. She’d told him she only actually needed one of those three things to be happy. Romantic, cheesy things were getting easier to say because she had so much emotion just idling inside of her all the time.
He came into his bedroom, met her gaze in the full-length mirror as his arms circled her waist from behind. That jolt of recognition and something deeper than just desire zipped through her body. She was getting used to that too.
“You look beautiful,” he said, kissing her neck.
She tilted her head, giving him room as she leaned back into him. “You look good too. Everyone should be here soon.”
He murmured something against her neck, then turned her into his arms and kissed her, pulling her body into his. They could get lost in this. It wouldn’t be the first time but today was their first time hosting a special occasion as a real couple.
She pulled back. “I don’t want to look like I have sex hair when our families show up.”
Will laughed, put his hands up, and stepped back. “I didn’t touch your hair.”
She smirked at him. “You would have. Let’s go make sure everything is ready.”
He’d already asked her to move in but Lexi wasn’t quite ready. Gregory had started construction on the basement, curiously deciding not to contract the work out. He said it was to keep costs to a minimum because he could do the work himself but Lexi and Will suspected it had more to do with him liking that Gwen kept him company while he worked.
It was nice to see her mother’s smile, and Lexi was learning not to push or overstep. She hadn’t been entirely fair to her mom and realized that part of her had relied on her mother’s neediness to feel like she had a purpose.
When Gwen told her she’d be arriving with Ethan and Gregory today, she’d just nodded happily, not saying a word. Gwen gave her a mom-glare anyway, like she could read her thoughts.
Things had been a little harder to smooth over with Will’s parents but with everyone else on board and eager to welcome Lexi to the family, she figured it was only a matter of time before his father softened toward her.
And if he didn’t, it wouldn’t matter, because there was nothing she wouldn’t go through to be with Will.
“We could have had this catered, you know,” Will said as she checked the turkey. She’d never made one before but her mother had many times. Gwen had walked her through the whole thing via FaceTime this morning.
“That would be cheating,” she said, inhaling the delicious scent.
“Okay, but know that my mother will definitely be bringing a store-bought dessert,” he said.
She closed the oven and turned to face him across the island. He picked up a bottle of wine, raised his eyebrows. She nodded. “That’s fine. I don’t care if she makes it herself but I wanted to be responsible for our first Thanksgiving meal as a couple. Unless the turkey is gross. Then I’m blaming you.”
He laughed as he poured two glasses. “That’s fair. Did you give Maisie the dates for engagement photos?”
Lexi took the wine, touched her glass to his, loving the way he looked at her. “I did. She’s going to give us a few options when she gets here for dinner.”
Will’s mother had asked if they could make a proper and formal announcement, including a photo. Will had grumbled but Lexi, wanting to get on her good side, agreed for both of them.
Will pursed his lips. “Will she be able to be a maid of honor and a photographer?” He trailed a finger over the back of her hand.
It was hard to say who loved the act of him touching her more.
She was distracted when she murmured, “If anyone can.”
It was like he craved the touch to make sure she was right there, and Lexi had absolutely no issues with that. She liked to reassure herself of his presence as often as possible too. Preferably with his lips on hers.
They leaned into each other just as the doorbell rang. Will frowned. “Bet that’s my parents. With their store-bought dessert.”
Lexi laughed, setting her wine down and following him to the door. The table was set beautifully thanks to Maisie and Pinterest. She’d sent Lexi about three hundred “pins” on how to lay everything out. Will teased her about her homemaker side, but she just wanted everything to be perfect. Or look pretty so that if the meal wasn’t great, she could at least say she’d set a good table.
It was his parents, followed by his sisters, Rachel, Ethan, Gregory, and Gwen. They chatted as Will and Lexi got people drinks, Will taking Gwen out to see the area he’d marked off for a garden she said she’d help him with.
Rachel and Maddie, who clearly knew their way around a kitchen better than Lexi, helped with the final preparations.
Emily brought Lexi a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a gorgeous strawberry flan for dessert. Will’s father gave her a side hug, said things smelled good.
Baby steps. These things took time. Will’s grandparents would be joining them for dinner on Christmas but had gone to their daughter’s house for today. Jackson’s sister didn’t work at Grand Babies. Over the last few weeks, Lexi had learned so much about his family, which included aunts, uncles, and several cousins. Lexi had never had a large family even when her dad was alive. Now it felt like she had the best of both worlds.
When the doorbell rang again, Lexi hurried toward the door to open it for her bestie. Before she got there, her friend came bounding through it, huge bunches of flowers weighing down her arms.
“I’m sorry. I hate being late. It’s awful. But I brought flowers.”
Lexi laughed because she couldn’t actually see Maisie through the bundles.
“You’re fine. Everyone just arrived.”
Will joined them in the foyer. “Did you rob a florist?” he teased as he took three of the five bundles.
Maisie’s cheeks and nose were red from the cold. Lexi took the remaining bundles while Maisie unwound her scarf from around her neck. Having been there a few times, her friend hung her coat and scarf, removed her shoes, then took a deep breath and let it out.
“What’s with all the flowers?”
Maisie shrugged. “I wanted to bring some for you for hosting and then I realized Gwen would be here. And Will’s mom and on and on. Plus, I couldn’t choose.” She laughed, shrugged her shoulders. “Happy Thanksgiving. I’m so grateful you both got your heads out of your asses.”
Will erupted in laughter, leaned in to kiss Maisie’s cheek. “You should give the toast tonight.”
Lexi gave her friend a side hug and after they took care of the flowers and said hellos, made necessary introductions, they found their seats. Lexi’s chest filled with warmth and happiness. The food graced the table in a long row of mouthwatering platters. Everyone was chatting and laughing, making the room feel full.
Will stood up at the end of the table. Lexi, to his right, stared up at her fiancé, happiness washing over her.
“Thank you for joining us tonight. Lexi and I are so happy that so many of the people we love could be here. It’s been a bumpy ride but my hope is there are many more nights and occasions just like this one.” He looked down at her, kissed her softly, then lifted his glass.
The others lifted their glasses as well, saying cheers. Lexi beamed, looking around the table, feeling very much like she was exactly where she was meant to be. Which was strange, given she hadn’t expected the path she’d been traveling to lead her here. She looked at Will, then leaned in to whisper that she loved him.
“I love you too,” he whispered. “You okay?”
She nodded. “Just happy.”
“So am I.”
She kissed him, pulled back, and gestured to the table. “Should I serve?”
Will leaned back with a mock frown. “Good God, no.” He looked around the table. “Come on, everyone. Dig in. Help yourselves before my beautiful fiancée reminds us all what a horrible server she is.”
Lexi laughed, delighted in this moment, in these people, and even in acknowledging the truth. She might not be cut out to be a waitress but she would always be happy she’d given it a shot. Without it, the future she envisioned would be very different.
And she wouldn’t change where she was now, or who was beside her, for anything.