Chapter 19
Nia
“Me?” I say once her words register. I go so far as to point at myself.
“You’re the only Nia here, dear,” Maggie says. “And you’re one of my kids now, so of course you. The first thing I want to say is how grateful I am to have you in this family. I know our first meeting was a bit rough, and I didn’t understand it then, but I do now. I could go on and on about what a great wife you are to my son and what a wonderful mother you are to my grandchildren. You are. You’re a mom and I know you understand that all you want is for someone to love your children. Drake has found that in you, but that’s not the only reason why I’m grateful to you. You came into this family at a very fraught time, and you and Carter were exactly what we needed. That’s still not why I’m grateful to you. I’m grateful to you because of who you are. I’m happy to have a daughter who is smart, beautiful, focused and so darn sweet. I see why my son loves you like he does. How could he not? You are a breath of fresh air at Paradise Construction and Paradise Foundation. You learn so fast, and you dove in headfirst. You’re funny and witty, and I love working with you. In the first few months, you made the place so much better. You have such good ideas, and you come up with practical ways to implement them. I don’t think you know this, but I watch you and you’re a natural leader. People are drawn to you, and that’s not something that can be taught. I know how nervous you get before a speech, but you show so much confidence when you’re on that stage. You’re mesmerizing. I’m grateful to you for making me a grandmother, and I hope you give me more grandbabies soon. I’m grateful that you introduced me to all of Mariah Carey’s greatest hits because where have I been for the last three decades?” I giggle at that. “I’m just so darn grateful that you’re a member of our family. You’re my daughter too, and I want you to know that. You’re as much my daughter as Hannah, and I love you as much as I love Drake, Langley, and Hannah.”
I sit there, stunned by her words. My vision blurs and a tear slips down my cheek. Drake wipes it for me, and that gets me out of my frozen state. I stand and approach my mother-in-law. She stands too and opens her arms. I go in. She’s taller than I am, but when she engulfs me in her arms, I feel safe.
“Thank you for saying that,” I say in her ear. I pull away, and we’re both crying. She wipes my eyes, and I do the same to her. “I want you to know that I love you too, Mom.” That makes her cry harder. “And I’m so grateful to be a member of this family. It was a rough beginning,” I admit. “But I’m happy to be here, and I’m grateful that Drake never stopped fighting for us. I’m a Paradise, and that will never change.” We hug again before I take my seat next to my husband. I fan my face with my hands and say, “I don’t wanna cry.”
“Oh, no,” Langley says.
“I have so many emotions,” Maggie says, and we both start to giggle. “Langley’s just jealous because he doesn’t speak Mariah.”
“I don’t speak cornball,” Langley says. “Why did Nia get to go after Mom?” he asks. Maggie rolls her eyes at her son.
“I’m next,” Carter says.
“Come sit on Grandma's lap and tell everyone what you’re grateful for.” He jumps out of his chair and takes a seat on her lap.
“I’m grateful for Spiderman. I’m grateful Uncle Langley took me to see him. I’m thankful for Mommy, Daddy, Priya, Grandma, Uncle Langley, and Aunt Hannah. And for the candy that Uncle Langley lets me have.”
Langley puts a finger to his lips and says, “Shh.”
Carter giggles and covers his mouth with both hands. “Um, I mean for the broccoli he lets me have.” He giggles uncontrollably at the awful lie.
“He mentioned Langley three times,” Hannah says.
“You gotta step up your game, Han,” Langley responds. “My turn.” Langley looks at each one of us. “I’m the most grateful for these little stink monsters.” He tweaks Carter’s nose and blows a kiss at Priya. “And I’m amazed that Drake could make such cool kids since he’s so bland.”
“Oh, please,” Drake says. Carter just giggles.
“I’m grateful that Mom has one cool kid. That’s me, by the way.” When Drake and Hannah boo him, he says, “Seriously, I’m grateful for my big brother. I’m grateful he forgave me because I was a jerk to him for so long. And I’m grateful that I have two annoying little sisters now instead of just one. And I’m grateful to have the best mother in the world.” He picks up Maggie’s hand and kisses the back of it. She sheds a tear but quickly wipes it away.
“Well, this has gotten emotional,” Hannah says. “I’m grateful that we only have to do this once a year.” Her own eyes fill with tears, but they don’t fall. She takes a breath before she continues. “Um, everything that Nia and Langley have said. I’m so grateful that we have each other. You don’t know what a blessing it is to have the type of family that you want to come home to. I’m grateful to have so many people I can count on. If I ever have a problem, I can call either one of you.” She looks at each of us. “And know you’ll drop everything and be there for me. Not everyone has that, and I’m grateful that I do. I love everyone at this table so, so much.”
I wipe my own eyes, and I notice that even Langley dabs his eyes with a napkin. Maggie fans her face before she turns to my husband.
“Your turn, Drakie,” she says as she reaches across the table and rests her hand on Drake’s.
“Well,” my husband begins. “Everyone at this table knows how much I adore my wife and kids.” I feel myself blush. “It’s no surprise that I’m the most grateful for them, especially you, Nia.” When he looks at me, I feel tears pool in my eyes. “Because you’re my heart, and without you I can’t function.” I tear slides down my cheek, and he wipes it with the ball of his thumb. “I’m so grateful for this family. Mom.” He squeezes her hand. “You’ve been such a source of support to us, and I love you so much for that. For the way you not only love me, but my wife and kids. I’m grateful for Hannah. She’s only the best little sister a guy could ask for. And I’m grateful for Langley. I didn’t realize how much I missed you over the years, and I’m happy that we’re close again. And, Nia, don’t tell Ray, but Langley is killing it as an uncle. ”
Langley raises his glass, and Carter copies him with his cup. “Hear, hear!” Langley cheers.
“That was beautiful, Drake,” I say.
“Yes,” Maggie says. “This is shaping up to be one of our best Thanksgivings.”
“Let’s eat,” Langley says.
“Hold on, everyone,” Maggie says. “I have one more thing I want to say to Hannah and Langley before we enjoy this wonderful meal.” Everyone quiets down while we wait for her to continue. “I want you two to know that I will accept anyone you love. Don’t ever be afraid of bringing them home. If you love them, I will too. And I’m not worried about them not loving you, because how can anyone not love you two?”
“Oh, Mom,” Hannah says through tears.
“Promise me.” Maggie looks at Langley and Hannah when she says that.
“I promise,” they both say at once.
She nods in satisfaction. “Now, we can eat,” she says.
And that’s what we do. We eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal of roasted turkey and sides. As always, everything is delicious, and when dessert is served, I devour the warm apple cobbler and vanilla ice cream that is placed in front of me.
There’s also a dessert table, and Langley takes Carter and Priya so they can choose what they want.
“Why did you let me eat so much?” I ask Drake after dinner. I swipe the chocolate chip cookie in his hand and break it in half. “I have to eat again at my parents’ house.” I put a hand on my stuffed belly and moan.
“That won’t be for hours. We didn’t eat until about ten p.m. last year.”
I swat his forearm. “We ate at six,” I say. “You need to get used to black Thanksgiving. We have our own time zone.”
“Black Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day—”
I swat him again before he can continue.
“And you’re always there stuffing your face,” I remind him.
“Well, I never said the food wasn’t good.” He opens his arms, and I step inside. “Even though I hate this ugly sweater, I’m so happy to have you as my wife. You’re who I’m grateful for the most. I love our family, but there’s no one on this earth that I love more than you.” I lift my head and look into his eyes. “I choose you over everyone and everything else.”
He bends down and presses his lips to mine.
“Me too,” is all I can say after a wave of emotion hits.
The pandemonium in my parents’ house is a direct contradiction to the quiet and calm dinner we just left.
Priya is sound asleep in Drake’s arms when we arrive. My mom takes her and puts her in the crib. Carter runs to his cousins, and they start chasing each other in the living room.
“You look ridiculous,” my dad says to Drake. He points at the sweater and makes a face. “That thing has feathers on it.” He shakes his head and turns to me. “But you look beautiful.” He opens his arms and I hug my dad.
“We’re wearing the exact same sweater,” Drake says. “How come she doesn’t look ridiculous?”
“Because my baby looks good in everything, and you’re the dope who let her make you wear that monstrosity. Be a man.”
“I’ve given you two grandchildren. I’m pretty sure I’m a man,” he says back.
“She walks all over you,” my dad says, gesturing at me .
“Well, before she started walking all over me, she walked all over you .” Drake points at my dad. “You’re the blueprint.” I snicker at that because it’s true.
“I’m not gonna argue with a fool wearing feathers. Come on,” he says, gesturing to Drake. “You can make the salad.”
“The salad should have been done,” Drake whispers to me.
“Well, we gave the staff the day off, Your Highness,” I say before I curtsy. “Go in there and make the salad, rich boy.” I slap his behind and push him toward the kitchen. “And it better be good.”