Look What I Found!

Ch. 31

Thanksgiving came quickly as the Tozier Family and Mike settled around the table. The table was stacked with multiple dishes, and the smell of roasted turkey had everyone eager to eat. With their plates piled high, Richie was about to dig in until Maggie grabbed both his and Went's hands, stopping him from enjoying his meal.

"Mom!" Richie groaned as if he were a little kid once more, slumping in his seat.

"Hush, Richie. You know we always hold hands and say what we're thankful for. It's tradition, after all." She gestured toward Mike, "now, hold Mike's hand and say what you're thankful for." Richie rolled his eyes but reluctantly reached his hand out to Mike, who stared at it in confusion as Went did the same thing on his other side.

Mike looked around the table as Richie sighed. "If you don't do this, then we can't eat."

His frustration was evident, but his words were lighthearted, meaning he wasn't taking them too seriously. Maggie reached over with the intent of hitting Richie on the shoulder, who dodged with a laugh. A gentle hand grabbed his, causing him to stop and stare at Mike with intrigue. Richie honestly didn't think Mike was going to go for it.

"People still do this?" Mike asked hesitantly, keeping a light grip on both hands he held, unsure of what to do.

Maggie gave a soft, sad smile. "Not as often as they should. It's a shame, really." She shrugged in a sign of resignation, "but it's the way things are now." Mike took it in as she turned toward Richie. "Now, Richie."

He rolled his eyes, giving in and saying, "yea, yea. I'm thankful for my friends, family, and this meal."

Maggie huffed as Went snorted, leaning toward Mike to stage whisper to him. "Quite the talker, that one. Oh, the irony. He's been using that one since he was twelve."

Richie smiled, having heard the conversation between the other two males, wholeheartedly agreeing with the statement as Maggie sighed. "You could try being a bit more original this year."

"Why fix what isn't broken?"

She rolled her eyes at his antics, but her smile said she was amused. "Ok, ok. Calm down. I am thankful for this beautiful meal, this wonderful family, and for Mike." Mike's eyes widened as she smiled sweetly at him. "I am so thankful you finally came into our lives, and I'll say it again. Welcome to the family, Mike."

Mike was utterly speechless as he opened and closed his mouth like a fish. His throat constricted as his eyes burned, and he willed the oncoming tears away, muttering a quiet "thank you" to her.

"No," she said, letting go of Richie's hand and placing it over their conjoined hands. "Thank you."

Mike knew what she was thanking him for as he gave a soft smile. Richie stared between them confusingly, muttering a quiet "Mom" under his breath.

She pulled her hand away, wiping what few tears had formed, before placing it back in Richie's. "Ok, ok," she turned to Went. "Went, dear?"

"Yes, yes. I am thankful for this wonderful meal that my wife and son have created. And I'm thankful for the new addition to our family." He turned to Mike, beaming. Mike ducked his head, blushing at all the attention.

"Mike?" Maggie gently prodded. Mike hummed in response. "It's your turn. What are you thankful for, hon?" And Mike knew what he was grateful for but had no idea how to express it in words.

Mike took a glance around the table, contemplating his words wisely. "I-I'm thankful for my friends and-and for you guys as well." He glanced between Maggie and Went to show he was talking about them. "And, I'm thankful for-for Richie." He ducked his head in embarrassment as he continued. "For taking me in, even if he didn't have to." A deep blush rose to his cheeks, showing his embarrassment for stuttering over his words and being even the slightest bit vulnerable.