The smell of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie filled the air as you stepped through the door of the Cameron household. You could hear the laughter and chatter coming from the kitchen, where Rafe's family was preparing the meal. You couldn't help but smile as you felt the warmth of the house wrap around you, the energy contagious in a way that made you feel like you belonged.
Rafe was already there, standing next to his dad, Ward, as they joked about something—probably the football game on the TV in the corner. His stepmom, Rose, was directing the others in the kitchen, her movements precise and efficient. Sarah and Wheelie were setting the table, the playful sibling rivalry apparent in their teasing.
Your parents were beside you, both smiling warmly. Your mom was chatting with Rose, while your dad was nodding along with Ward, discussing something about the harvest season. It was clear that they all got along, and it made your heart swell with happiness.
"Hey, love," Rafe said, his voice carrying over to you as he spotted you standing by the door. He flashed that trademark grin of his, and your heart skipped a beat. "Glad you made it."
You nodded, walking over to him as he pulled you into a hug. His warmth and familiarity grounded you, and the sense of belonging was immediate. Despite the nerves that always seemed to flutter in your stomach when meeting new people, this felt like home.
"Everything looks amazing," you whispered, glancing around at all the preparations.
Rafe smiled down at you, his hand brushing your back gently. "Yeah, it's a little overwhelming, but we all pitch in."
As you made your way into the kitchen, Rose greeted you with a wide smile. "It's so good to see you, darling. How's everything going with school?"
You smiled back, feeling instantly comfortable in her presence. "It's going well, Rose. I'm really enjoying it."
She placed a hand on your arm. "I'm so happy to hear that. It's nice to see you growing into such a wonderful young woman."
Your cheeks warmed at her words. It felt like Rafe's family truly cared about you, and that meant everything to you, especially on a day like this.
"Alright, let's get this feast started!" Ward announced, clapping his hands together with excitement. The table was set, and the food looked incredible. The delicious aroma of turkey and gravy mixed with the soft fragrance of fresh bread.
Everyone gathered around the table, laughing and chatting, filling the room with the sounds of family and joy. You sat next to Rafe, your hand resting on his leg beneath the table. As the meal began, you couldn't help but feel grateful for the warmth of this moment—the togetherness, the love, and the easy camaraderie between everyone.
"Rafe, pass me the potatoes," Sarah teased, holding out her plate. You chuckled softly at her antics, noticing the way Rafe's face softened when he looked at her.
Wheelie, who was across from you, chimed in. "You better be careful with those potatoes. Sarah takes her mashed potatoes very seriously."
"Hey, I do not!" Sarah laughed, throwing a playful glare at him.
The conversation flowed easily, and you found yourself feeling more at ease than you had expected. It wasn't just the food or the comfortable setting—it was the way Rafe's family treated you like you were already part of the fold. They made you feel included, and that meant the world.
After dinner, everyone moved to the living room to relax and enjoy some dessert. Rafe wrapped his arm around you as you sat on the couch together, your parents sitting nearby, talking with Ward and Rose.
"So," Rafe said, glancing down at you with that familiar glint in his eyes. "How are you feeling about all this? You nervous?"
You shook your head, feeling completely at home now. "I thought I would be, but... this just feels right."
Rafe smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. "I'm glad. You deserve to feel that way."
As the evening wore on, the laughter and conversation continued, and you couldn't help but feel so thankful for everything you had—your parents, Rafe, and the wonderful family that had so easily accepted you into their fold.
It was a Thanksgiving you would never forget, surrounded by love, warmth, and the feeling that you had found a place where you truly belonged.
Author's Note:
Hey, everyone! I know this is super late, but this has been sitting in my drafts since Thanksgiving. I was so caught up spending time with family that day and didn't get a chance to post it. By the time I got home, I completely forgot about it! But better late than never, right? Here it is now, and I hope you all enjoy it! Thanks for being patient with me, and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

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Rafe Cameron Imagines
FanfictionThe title says it all. started: 10/20/24 ended: 4/16/25