Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice, Chapter 23 (Giving Thanks (and Taking Stock))

Thanksgiving morning dawned clear and crisp, and Garth’s backyard bustled with the beginnings of a holiday feast. Roberto, setting up his prized smoker on the patio, wore a confident grin as he carefully monitored the coals and rubbed the turkey down with his special blend of spices. Garth, however, lingered by his own bird with an uneasy expression, glancing between the frozen-looking turkey on his prep station and the house where Jazlyn and Laura bustled in the kitchen. His thoughts churned as he remembered the news report about the missing pet turkey, Bermuda, from Monty’s farm. He felt a twinge of guilt, unable to shake the suspicion that his bird had a history Roberto wasn’t sharing.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Jazlyn and Laura clinked glasses as they sipped on Sauvignon Blanc, laughing as they mixed spices, chopped vegetables, and coordinated the finishing touches on various side dishes. The aroma of stuffing, cranberry sauce, and yams filled the air, giving the kitchen a warm, welcoming feel. Jazlyn, already a little tipsy, gave Laura a sidelong look.

“So, we’re still waiting on our mystery guests?” she asked, a playful lilt in her voice.

Laura smiled, refilling Jazlyn’s glass. “Yes, Damarae and possibly Adalynn. If anyone needs this family today, it’s them.”

At that moment, the front door opened, and Brandon walked in, giving them a polite nod before heading out to the backyard. Laura exchanged a glance with Jazlyn, sensing the weight he carried as he walked outside.

Out on the patio, Roberto was bent over the smoker, fanning the smoke, while Garth stood with arms folded, staring suspiciously at the fryer setup.

“What’s with the hesitation?” Roberto asked, glancing up with a grin. “You’re supposed to be frying that bird, not inspecting it like a crime scene.”

Garth cleared his throat, giving a half-hearted shrug. “Just making sure it’s thawed enough to cook right. Don’t want to risk… anything going wrong.”

Roberto chuckled, oblivious to Garth’s internal dilemma. “Well, let me know when you’re ready. This bird here is about to be the finest smoked turkey in the state.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Garth muttered, still eyeing his own turkey with mild suspicion.

Brandon joined them, and Roberto shot him a grin. “Hey! There he is. Ready for the feast?”

Brandon gave a slight smile, but his eyes betrayed the lingering uncertainty and tension from the past few days. “Just looking forward to a normal Thanksgiving.”

Roberto slapped him on the back, giving him a hearty nod. “Well, you’re in luck. It’ll be a Thanksgiving to remember.”

Garth glanced at his watch, raising an eyebrow. “I guess I better get going with the fryer. The turkey’ll need time if we’re going to have everything ready before our other guests arrive.”

Brandon frowned, catching the last part of Garth’s sentence. “Other guests?”

Garth glanced at him, hesitating before answering. “Damarae stopped by last night to talk things over. We still invited him to dinner.”

Brandon’s stomach flipped, the unresolved tension from his argument with Damarae resurfacing as he processed the news. He glanced at his phone, still showing no notifications from either Damarae or Adalynn. The silence from them gnawed at him, and he turned to go inside, hoping to find some clarity with his mothers.

Inside, the kitchen was bustling as Laura and Jazlyn placed final touches on the sides. Jazlyn’s cheeks were flushed from the wine, her laughter filling the room as she stirred a pot of gravy. Brandon leaned against the counter, clearing his throat to get their attention.

Laura glanced up with a warm smile. “There you are. Getting hungry yet?”

Brandon managed a small smile, but the weight of his thoughts was clear in his eyes. “Just… trying to figure out if Adalynn or Damarae are actually going to show up.”

Jazlyn smirked, pouring Laura another glass of wine. “Well, from what I’ve heard, Damarae feels pretty bad about everything. He’s upset he let his temper get the best of him, but he agreed to come anyway.”

Brandon nodded slowly, glancing away. “And Adalynn?”

Laura shook her head, sympathy in her gaze. “We don’t know yet. Damarae didn’t say, and she hasn’t reached out.”

Brandon sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I sent them both an apology last night, but… neither of them responded. Honestly, I don’t even know if I’m ready to see them.”

Laura’s expression softened, and she reached out to place a comforting hand on his arm. “Brandon, sometimes Thanksgiving is the best time to make amends. But you need to be open to whatever comes, okay?”

Brandon nodded, giving her a faint smile. “Yeah, maybe. I just… need a minute.”

Before Laura could say more, Brandon turned and headed out the front door, needing air. Jazlyn handed Laura a fresh glass of wine, watching Brandon through the window.

“He’ll come around,” she murmured, raising her glass.

“I hope so,” Laura replied, clinking her glass with Jazlyn’s.

Brandon wandered through the neighborhood, his mind racing as he tried to sort out his emotions. The quiet streets were lined with autumn leaves, and the faint smell of roasting turkeys wafted from nearby homes. He walked aimlessly, lost in thought, his mind replaying every mistake, every harsh word, every misstep he’d taken over the past few weeks.

He looked down at his phone, checking once again, but there were still no notifications from Damarae or Adalynn. A sense of loneliness settled over him, and he stuffed his hands into his pockets, staring at the ground as he walked. Eventually, he found himself in a small park, where children were playing on the swings and slides under the watchful eyes of their parents. He wandered over to an empty swing and sat down, rocking gently as he continued to wrestle with his guilt and regrets.

After a while, a young boy hopped onto the swing next to him, gripping the chains as he tried to push himself higher. Brandon glanced over, giving the kid a quick nod before returning his gaze to the ground, lost in thought.

“Happy Thanksgiving!” the boy said cheerfully, his voice breaking through Brandon’s reverie.

Brandon blinked, managing a small smile as he replied, “Happy Thanksgiving to you too, kid.”

The boy swung back and forth, his small feet kicking through the air, and after a moment he looked over at Brandon with curious eyes. “What are you thankful for?”

Brandon hesitated, taken aback by the question. He let out a quiet sigh, glancing down. “Honestly? I don’t really know anymore. I think I might be a terrible friend… and maybe a terrible son too.”

The boy tilted his head, giving Brandon a thoughtful look. “You can’t be a terrible son. It’s impossible!” He stumbled over the word but smiled as if he’d solved a mystery.

Brandon chuckled despite himself, the kid’s innocence easing some of the weight in his chest. “Sometimes, maybe. But you’re probably right. My family… they’re trying really hard to make this Thanksgiving special. And I’ve been so wrapped up in my own problems, I haven’t given them the thanks they deserve.”

The boy nodded seriously, as if pondering Brandon’s words. “Isn’t that what today is for?”

Brandon’s eyes softened, and he smiled, feeling a faint warmth in his chest. “You know what, little dude? I think you’re absolutely right. Thanks.”

At that moment, the boy’s parents approached, casting cautious glances at Brandon as they drew closer. Picking up on their tension, Brandon stood, holding up his hands in reassurance.

“Happy Thanksgiving,” he said, flashing them a friendly smile before turning back to the boy. “And thanks again.”

“Happy Thanksgiving!” the boy called after him, smiling proudly. As Brandon walked away, he heard the boy say to his parents, “He assumed my gender, but that’s all,” his words slightly jumbled but filled with a child’s innocence. Brandon laughed softly to himself, shaking his head.

As he made his way back to the house, Brandon felt lighter, his resolve strengthening with each step. Just as he turned the corner, he saw a familiar car parked out front. His breath caught as he realized it was Adalynn’s. She sat in the driver’s seat, her gaze fixed on him as he approached. Their eyes met, and Brandon’s heart hammered in his chest, a mix of relief and nerves bubbling up within him.

He paused by the curb, nodding at her in acknowledgment, not daring to approach. She offered a small, uncertain smile, her hands gripping the steering wheel. After a moment, Brandon turned and walked into the house, leaving her with a space to prepare herself.

Inside, the aromas of Thanksgiving filled the air as laughter and clinking glasses came from the kitchen. Roberto stood over his smoker, the aroma of seasoned turkey wafting through the backyard. Jazlyn and Laura moved seamlessly around the kitchen, finishing the sides as they laughed together, their bond palpable.

Brandon took a deep breath, letting the warmth of the house settle over him. He realized now that no matter what happened with Damarae or Adalynn, his family had been there, unwavering, through it all.

As he stepped into the living room, he glanced back toward the window, catching a glimpse of Adalynn as she took a deep breath, steeling herself before stepping out of the car.

“Here goes nothing,” Brandon muttered to himself, feeling the faintest spark of hope.