Chapter 49 – Kat
FORTY-NINE
KAT
My mom’s apron is crumpled and stained with coffee drips. She sighs as she grabs it off the entryway table, her fingers deftly wrapping the rogue strings around her checkbook, which is nestled inside. “I really wanted to spend Thanksgiving with you two,” she says, her voice heavy with disappointment. “But no one else would volunteer to work today.”
“Mom, it’s fine.”
Tanner sits at the kitchen table, savoring the last of his bacon and eggs. He smiles and glances up at my mother. “Thank you for cooking, Julie—it was seriously delicious,” he says.
She had scolded him for being so formal with her and insisted on being called by her first name when he arrived this morning, and while at first it felt like a weird reprimand, I think I quite like the casual energy between my mom and boyfriend at this point.
While our relationship might be new in its present capacity, there is something about Tanner and me that feels oddly timeless. It’s as if we were always meant to find our way to this place, no matter what obstacles stood in our way.
My mother expressed a similar sentiment last night when I returned home for Thanksgiving break. Despite her jaded experiences, she has never let go of her romantic ideals, and she was more than elated to learn Tanner and me are now together.
I just wish she didn’t learn that by finding him sneaking out of my bedroom to get a glass of water in the middle of the night two weeks ago when it all happened. Not that she took issue with it, but man does that woman know how to make things awkward when she wants to.
“Thank you, Tanner.” My mom, heading off to work, tells me what time I can expect her to be home.
I nod, only half listening.
Yes, I’ve met Tanner’s parents before. It was exactly a year ago on Thanksgiving, and the memory floods back with a rush of emotions.
But this year, everything feels different. The air is heavy, weighted with anticipation and anxiety. As we pull up to his parents’ home, I can’t help but feel the gravity of the situation.
Last year, spending Thanksgiving with his family was easy—I was just a friend, casually tagging along. I didn’t have to worry about impressing anyone because I was dating someone else at the time. But now, as we enter this new phase in our relationship, my nerves are on fire. Every interaction feels like it could make or break their opinion of me, and I can’t shake off the weight of their expectations hanging over my head.
“Kat?” Tanner questions as he puts the car in park. He turns to face me and cups my chin between his fingers. “What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?”
At first I don’t say anything—not because I don’t have anything to say, but because it’s such a weighted question. I’m damn near spiraling at the prospect of seeing his family again and I don’t know how to verbalize it. I’ve had to deal with the consequences of a guy’s parents not liking me, and it was brutal.
Tanner is so good— we are so good, so the idea of everything imploding because I’ve managed to say or do something colossally stupid has me in a tailspin.
“Sweetheart.” Tanner’s voice is tender and calm, everything I need without me having to say a single word. I don’t understand how he does that; how he knows exactly how to talk to me.
“Hm?”
“Breathe. I can see your gears turning from here…”
“What if they hate me?” All my insecurities spill out without restraint. “What if they realize that I’m actually the worst possible person to be with their son and they opt to dump me in the pond out back?”
“One? My mom will take great pride in you thinking she could be even remotely capable of murder. Two? They’re quite literally obsessed with you, Kat. My mom thought I was lying about us being just friends last year, but when I told them that we were finally together, she actually cried. Like, tears.”
“Tears of utter devastation?” I smirk.
“Tears of joy, sweetheart. Tears of joy.”
“So…they like me?” My voice cracks but I don’t make any ef fort to hide it.
“They love you. Almost as much as I do.”
His reassurance shouldn’t carry as much weight as it does. His eyes are filled with love and concern as he tries to soothe my anxious thoughts. Tenderly, he lifts my chin and presses his lips against mine, sending a wave of tranquility through my body. As I surrender to his embrace, my racing heart begins to slow.
When he pulls away from the kiss, Tanner presses his lips to my forehead, then asks, “You ready to head in?”
As my gaze falls upon the magnificent brick house, looming larger than any residence I have ever called home, a sense of calm washes over me. The familiar nerves and anxieties I felt at the thought of facing his parents again seem to dissipate like mist in the morning sun. The house stands tall and proud, adorned with grand columns and elegant windows that glint in the sunlight. It exudes an air of wealth and sophistication, but also warmth and comfort. If nothing else, Tanner’s family has been a stark reminder that not all people become horrible people when money comes into play. They may not have old, political legacy money, but they’re clear proof that having comforts in life doesn’t automatically make you an asshole.
“Let’s go.”
Tanner’s warm, callused hand envelops mine as we approach the door, warm and reassuring. His fingers tighten around mine as he pushes the door open, his touch offering a sense of security in the midst of chaos.
“I love you,” I whisper as we approach the kitchen, a sense of déjà vu setting in but providing comfort rather than distress.
He doesn’t answer me, but I don’t miss the smile that lights up his face .
“Tanner!” His mom’s hands freeze and the knife she was using clatters onto the wooden cutting board. She turns and squeals with delight, quickly approaching him with open arms. He hugs her back tightly while still holding my hand. Once she releases him, she turns to me, beaming from ear to ear and pulling me close. Only then does Tanner release my hand, allowing me both arms to hug his mother back.
Tanner’s mother slowly unwraps her arms from around me, and I see the glistening tears in her eyes. My stomach drops as I realize I must have done something to upset her. Oh God, what did I do? I must have done something.
Elaine leans in close, her voice barely audible as her warm breath tickles my ear. “Thank you,” she murmurs, her eyes shining with unshed tears. I look at her questioningly, and she continues, “For bringing such joy into my son’s life. I’m sure you know he’s always had a soft spot for you, and seeing him so smitten makes me grateful.” She squeezes my hand in a quick gesture of gratitude before she pulls back, a small smile on her lips.
The weight of what she just revealed is not lost on me, except for the first time I don’t cower at the realization that Tanner has talked to his mom about me, presumably long before we were involved.
God, I was such an idiot.
“Larry! Tanner and Kat are here!” Elaine yells into the other room, from which I hear the television being turned off and the audible groan of two teenage boys who want nothing more than to keep watching the game. Within seconds, Tanner’s father and two younger brothers appear in the kitchen, Larry far more enthusiastic than the younger men.
Theo, the younger of the two brothers, has grown significantly since I last saw him. He still has a boyish appearance, but his features are starting to resemble those of his brothers more closely. His braces, with their red and silver bands proudly proclaiming his college football team loyalty, are gone. He now sports a faint dusting of hair above his upper lip, and there is something in the way he carries himself that hints at pride over this new physical development.
I look at Larry, whom Tanner informed me has been spending significantly more time assisting his wife in the kitchen. Apparently, this change was brought about by a heated conversation between them after I left last year. It seems that Larry, much like his son, is acutely attuned to Elaine’s needs and will go to great lengths to keep her content, even if it means confronting his own blind spots.
I smile at the gentle clinking of pots and pans as Larry moves around the kitchen, carefully assisting his wife with precision and care. A sweet fragrance wafts through the air, a blend of spices and herbs that add depth to the already mouth-watering scents emanating from the oven. It is clear that Larry’s dedication to his wife’s happiness extends far beyond their verbal exchanges.
Tanner sets the last dish down on the table in the dining room, an array of savory smells filling the air. The scent of roasted turkey—perfectly golden and crisp on the outside yet tender and juicy on the inside—mingles with the rich scent of melted butter cascading over the mashed potatoes.
My stomach grumbles in anticipation as I take in the spread, thankful I get the opportunity to enjoy a traditional family Thanksgiving dinner for the second year in a row, even if it is Tanner’s family. My mouth waters as I imagine sinking my teeth into each delectable dish and savoring every bite .
It isn’t until everyone is seated with their plates stacked high that anyone speaks.
“So, Kat,” Larry begins. “Tanner tells me that you’ve photographed a few weddings this year already. It’s important to build up those connections now for after graduation. Smart move.”
I try but fail to hide the blush that creeps over my cheeks. “It really isn’t a big deal; they were both coworkers of my mom.”
“Don’t be silly—it doesn’t matter how you get clients. Using your network isn’t just smart; it’s necessary in business. Speaking of, do you have a portfolio? Vern from accounting’s daughter is getting married next fall and I believe she is still looking for a photographer. I could pass along your information. Do you have a website?”
Despite the overwhelming nature of his questions, I still find myself completely consumed with pride at his support. I haven’t even thought about setting up a website—I wouldn’t know where to begin. School has taught me the legality of everything, but not so much the practice of setting things up.
“We’re working on getting her website live over winter break,” Tanner responds before shoving a piece of dark meat into his mouth, followed by a euphoric groan. “Mom, you really outdid yourself this year. This is fantastic.”
Elaine beams at her son’s compliment before turning to her husband. “I would like to take credit, but the turkey was actually your father this year.”
As if she just told him that the gravy was made with chicken feed, all three of their sons drop their forks and display nearly identical slack-jawed expressions.
“Dad…doesn’t cook,” Theo explains when he sees my co nfusion. “I thought he was just helping you move it and get it out of the oven, Mom.”
Thomas swats his arm. “You’re not supposed to say that out loud, idiot,” he whispers loudly before turning to their father. “But Theo is right—since when can you cook?”
Larry flushes. “I had a lot of help from your mother. I was basically just the muscle.”
This answer seems to placate the boys, who begin shoveling food into their mouths once more, barely pausing to chew between bites. The only break in their ravenous feasting occurs when Theo lets out a loud burp, causing both Tanner and Thomas to burst into laughter.
“Pigs,” Elaine chuckles under her breath, and I laugh too.