Chapter 26

Four Months Later

Micki bustled around the main lodge, double-checking every last detail to ensure their family's first Thanksgiving since Patrick returned would be perfect. She flitted from the kitchen, where the aroma of roasting turkey wafted through the air, to the dining room, meticulously arranging the festive table settings.

"Good gracious, Micki. You're making me dizzy," her mother said as she adjusted the center piece.

"We have a lot to be grateful for. I want it to be perfect."

Her mother smiled, putting an arm around Micki. "I don't think the centerpiece all cattywampus will suggest you're not thankful."

Micki shrugged, knowing she was a bit much. But she was so happy and wanted to make sure Patrick was too. Not that he gave any signs that he wasn't. But this was their first big holiday. She was sure Thanksgiving in Andres' home was elaborate. What she could give him was a holiday filled with love.

"I'm sure she shows her gratitude to Patrick every night," Logan said as he joined.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, Logan." Her mother chastised him.

Micki's cheeks heated because he wasn't wrong.

"Look what I made grandma." Tate held up a turkey craft made from his handprint. "I have one for everyone. I even have their names on it, see." Tate handed the table decorations over. She smiled as she handed one to Micki that said, "Uncle Patrick."

That wasn't technically true. But for all intents and purposes, Patrick was a part of the family.

She gazed out the window toward the lake. The leaves were changing to bright yellows, reds, and oranges. The once tired cabins now stood freshly painted and repaired. The docs were shored up and the paths cleared.

The lodge had some upgrades as well, including a new roof, which Patrick joked shouldn't be repaired because he liked seeing her up there.

Micki felt a swell of gratitude as she took in the scene. Patrick"s investment in the family business had truly been a game-changer, breathing new life into the Kincaid resort. The once-struggling enterprise was well on the road to recovery.

By the end of summer, Patrick had worked with local non-profits along with his money Micki was sure, to offer special vacation packages to low-income and foster care families. In the fall, they'd rented cabins to hunters taking advantage of turkey and deer hunting season. Last week, Drake Carmichael brought a group of executives for a long weekend, paying more than Micki had ever seen for the corporate retreat that included programming for health and wellness. Except for Drake having an argument with his twin brother, the event had gone off without a hitch.

She'd worried a little bit when she learned the land next door had sold. In her mind, she dreamed of buying it to build a pavilion for weddings. Now she was concerned a competitor would be moving in. When she shared all this with Patrick he assured her everything would be alright. "They're probably building a house." She decided he was probably right. She was overly worried. Everything was going so well and she didn't want it to end.

"Well look at this spread. The good lord is certainly smiling down on us." Her father entered using a walker. That had been the only downside of life over the last few months; her father's continued weakening mobility. But her father was a fighter. He'd always see the upside of life, not linger on the challenges.

"More like Patrick," Logan quipped good naturedly.

"The good lord sent us Patrick," her father stated.

Micki suspected Patrick would think the good lord delivered him to Kincaid Lake.

"That young man has certainly made a difference around here," Lori said, as she helped Tate put the turkey name tags around the table. "I have to admit, I was skeptical at first, but he"s proven himself."

Micki remembered the day he had presented his business proposal to them, his posture straight and his gaze unwavering. The respect he had shown for her family"s legacy had been the first step in building their trust, and now, he had truly become one of them.

Seeing her family"s acceptance of Patrick added to Micki's happiness. It saddened her that his parents wouldn't ever accept her. But Patrick assured her he didn't care.

Patrick hurried through the front door. "I'm not late, am I?"

Micki pursed her lips wondering where he'd been. He'd said he had a quick chore he needed to deal with in a cabin but wouldn't elaborate. "No. You're right on time."

"Come. Let's eat. Micki help me serve the food."

She gave Patrick a quick kiss. He mouthed "I love you." She was walking on clouds as she carried the turkey out and helped her mother with all the Thanksgiving fixings.

She sat at the table, glancing down at the other end where Tate sat next to Patrick. The young boy, once angry and withdrawn, now beamed with a newfound liveliness. Micki watched as Patrick leaned in, speaking softly to Tate, his expression open and attentive.

Tate"s eyes widened, and a delighted grin spread across his face. Micki's heart swelled as she witnessed the bond that had formed between the two. She wondered if someday she and Patrick would have a son. He'd be a wonderful father.

"First a prayer," her father announced at the head of the table. Once the prayer was complete, he said, "It's time for each of us to share what we're grateful for. Me? I'm grateful for all of you."

"He took my answer," Logan joked, eliciting laughs. "I'm grateful that Tate is happy." Tate grinned, showing another missing tooth.

"Well, I am taking your father's answer, because it's true. All of you are a blessing in my life," Lori said.

"I'm thankful for Uncle Patrick," Tate chimed in.

"I second that," Micki said, holding up her wine glass to salute him.

"What about you, Uncle Patrick?" Tate prodded.

Patrick's gaze homed in on Micki. "I"m thankful for all of you."

"Boo. That's already been said," Logan laughed.

"I'm thankful for you welcoming into your family, your home, and your hearts."

"Now he's getting sappy."

"Shut up, Logan." Micki gave him an annoyed glare.

"Don't say shut up," her mother chastised.

"I'm especially grateful for Michaela."

"Gag—"

Micki shot Logan another glare.

Patrick stood and walked over to her. Everyone's brows furrowed wondering what he was doing, including Micki. He lowered onto one knee, and Micki's heart leapt into her throat.

"Oh my," her mother said.

"What's happening?" Tate asked.

"You're the bright star in the dark sky, Michaela. I want to spend the rest of my days with you. Will you marry me?" He opened a small box with a star-shaped diamond ring.

Overcome with emotion, Micki nodded fervently, her voice catching in her throat. "Yes, oh my God, yes!" He slipped the ring on her finger, then pulled her up for a kiss.

"They're kissing!" Tate laughed.

"Yes, they are. Can we eat now?" Logan asked.

"They kiss all the time," Tate rolled his eyes.

Micki's cheeks flushed with heat, but she didn't care.

Lori rose from her chair, embracing Micki and Patrick. Joe extended his hand to Patrick. "Welcome to the family, my boy."

"Thank you." Patrick's gaze returned to her, and he winked.

She lifted up on her toes and whispered. "Can you read my vibe."

He laughed, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered back. "I'm going to get lucky tonight."

She waggled her brows. As she sat down, her feelings of gratitude grew even more. She'd only dared to dream about continuing her family legacy. But now she had more than that. She had her beloved resort. Her supportive family. And a man who filled her life with a love beyond any she could have ever imagined.