The One After [SHAWN MENDES]

Chapter 136

"I can't decide if I love or hate the smell of roasting brussels sprouts," I said as I gently stirred the balsamic reduction we were going to put on the veggie side dish before serving it.

Shawn laughed. "It's definitely stinky but in a good way. Kind of like asparagus pee."

I reached for the honey and knocked into him. "Sorry. This kitchen was not designed for two."

"I almost suggested that we do this at my place, but it seemed like a lot of effort to move the food plus your pans and dishes."

"True, but we'd have so much space that it would have been worth it. Your island is incredible. The first time I saw it, I had the worst case of kitchen-envy," I told him, though funnily enough, I could not recall if that was in the dream or in reality. It was a relief how some memories of my coma dream had faded even more with time.

"You are welcome to cook at my condo any time you want, baby," he replied before giving me a sweet kiss on the top of my head.

When the sprouts were done, we divided them into two bowls. One was going with us to my huge family Thanksgiving meal, which was being held mid-afternoon. The other was for the later dinner at his family's house in Pickering. Karen and Manny were accommodating us by eating at eight o'clock so that we could make it to both parties, which I really appreciated.

In addition to the veggie side dish, we also made two trifles with layers of chocolate pudding, gluten-free brownies, and whipped cream. In both cases, the portion we were taking to my family's meal was larger since there would be so many more people there.

Shawn and I took a shower together to save time, though the inevitable sex ended up creating the opposite effect. I'd recently had an IUD put in, so we were frequently taking advantage of being able to have completely spontaneous sex again. This meant we had to get ready quickly, but it was worth it. My bathroom was small, too, so we took turns in front of the mirror. While he styled his hair, I put my outfit together. I decided to go with a fall color theme, so I chose a pumpkin and mustard striped turtleneck sweater. It was tunic length, so I belted it at the waist. I had some dark brown ribbed leggings, which looked great with the riding boots I'd recently splurged on.

Once he finished perfecting his gorgeous curls, I took over the bathroom and did my own hair as well as my makeup. When I was done, I saw that he'd gotten dressed in a pair of black jeans and a grandpa cardigan. I wrapped my arms around him for a hug since he was too cozy to resist, and I breathed in his expensive cologne. I put my clothes on, and before long we were in his car headed to Uncle Ollie's restaurant.

While enjoying some red wine, we sat with my grandma who had recently undergone surgery on her knee. She was in a comfy chair that Ollie brought from home with her leg propped up on an ottoman. Shawn went to get her some cheese and crackers and she leaned towards me. "It's good to see you so happy and in love."

I looked over at the man who owned my heart as he stood by the buffet, and we made eye contact. In one brief yet intense glance we were able to communicate so much, but what shone through the brightest was that we adored each other. "My life is going really well right now," I told my grandmother.

"Today is about giving thanks, and I hope you count your blessings." Her tone was serious. "Too often we tend to take things for granted."

I gave her a kiss on her wrinkled cheek. "After what I've been through, I'm extremely grateful for all I have."

"I didn't expect there to be so much pasta," Shawn said in a hushed voice after we'd filled our plates at the extensive buffet a bit later.

"My grandma insists on having the traditional turkey and all the fixings plus everyone's Italian favorites. I forgot to get butter for my bread. I'll be right back."