Shades of Redemption

19

I knocked on Katie and Owen's door, the familiar sounds of laughter and clinking dishes coming from inside. As soon as the door opened, Owen greeted me with a warm smile, their son, Charles, already in tow. Charles didn't need an introduction this time. He bolted straight into my legs with a squeal of excitement.

"Sophie!" Charles chirped, wrapping his little arms around me, his joy contagious.

"Hey there, big guy!" I grinned, ruffling his hair. 

Owen chuckled as he took the desserts I'd brought—mini cheesecakes and pies. "You're his favorite person now, by the way. All he's been talking about since the airport is you and the plane."

"Well, I aim to impress," I joked, giving Charles a wink. 

Charles nodded enthusiastically before scampering off, his little feet tapping as he disappeared into the kitchen. Owen motioned for me to follow.

"Come on in. Everyone's in the kitchen," he said, stepping aside to let me enter.

As I walked through the house, the scent of roasted turkey and mashed potatoes filled the air. Thanksgiving was one of those rare times when we all gathered together, no excuses, just food, family, and the occasional argument over who got the last slice of pie.

Katie was at the kitchen island, very much in charge despite her four-month baby bump. She was pointing at various dishes, instructing Emma on what needed more seasoning and what should be moved to the oven. Emma, armed with a wooden spoon, was stirring something in a pot, her boyfriend Caine standing next to her chopping vegetables. Caine's friend, Elijah, leaned casually against the counter, scrolling through his phone but still part of the conversation.

"Sophie!" Katie's face lit up as she saw me. "Thank God you're here. Please tell Emma that the mashed potatoes need more butter."

"They don't need more butter, Katie," Emma replied, grinning as she gave me a quick wave. "She's being dramatic."

"I'm not being dramatic," Katie said, crossing her arms and giving Emma a playful glare. "I'm pregnant and craving more butter."

I laughed and set my bag down on a nearby chair. "I'd probably side with Katie on this one. Pregnancy cravings sound pretty serious."

Emma rolled her eyes but smiled. "Fine, more butter it is. But if anyone complains about the potatoes being too rich, it's on you two."

Caine smirked, shaking his head. "As long as there's enough turkey, I'm not complaining about anything."

"Speaking of which," Owen chimed in, walking in with Charles perched on his shoulders, "turkey's almost done. Just waiting for the timer to go off."

I glanced over at Elijah, who had finally put his phone down. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair and a kind smile. The kind of guy who looked like he belonged in a magazine, but didn't seem to know it.