Love Thy Neighbor

Chapter 47

"Tell me why we are celebrating American Thanksgiving?" Shawn asks as he sets the table.

Kendra, Mike, Jayson, David, Perri, and Marian and her boyfriend, Eric, are all coming over for Thanksgiving dinner. Shawn spent the day helping me get ready. We'd seen each other frequently these last few weeks. No dates or anything like that; just coffee or dinner at my place or taking Lila for walks.

"We are in America, you know. And I have dual citizenship, so technically I am American."

"How?"

"My grandparents were U.S. citizens and never officially became Canadian citizens. My mom was born in Canada but was able to have U.S. citizenship since her parents were citizens. Elsie and I were able to claim U.S. citizenship the same way. My mom made sure to register us with the U.S. government when we were born and get us U.S. passports," I explain.

"And Lila was born here, so she automatically is, right?" he asks.

"Yep. So you have a work visa?" I ask.

"Yeah, Andrew arranged all that through immigration for me. Usually I just have a travel visa, but since I bought a place and am living here, it's different."

"Nice job with the table," I tell him as I look over how he has arranged everything. "It looks pretty."

I return to the kitchen and check on the turkey. As I am basting it, we hear Lila wake up from her nap. I'd put her down early so that she'd be awake for the dinner.

"Want me to get her?" Shawn asks.

"If you don't mind, that would be great."

A few seconds later I hear Shawn talking to my daughter over the monitor. I look over at the video display. He picks her up and is giving her kisses on her chubby neck.

"Who is the prettiest baby in the world? Who is the smartest baby in the world? Who?"

Lila erupts in giggles.

Seeing him like this melts my heart. He is incredible with Lila. It's a side of him I never knew existed before.

Soon after, Shawn walks into the kitchen with her. "I think she needs a fresh diaper."

I change her, put her in her high chair, and go back to making mashed potatoes. The guests are bringing everything else, so I don't have a lot to do.

Kendra and her family arrive with food and a high chair for Jayson right as I am taking the turkey out of the oven. The rest of the guests show up soon after.

Dinner is a success. The food is delicious, we drinks lots of wine, and the babies are content playing with each other on the floor for hours.

The only tension arises when David tries to find out where Shawn and I stand. He doesn't come right out and ask if we're dating, but he hints around. I can tell that Perri is annoyed with him. I really like her.

After everyone leaves and Lila has gone to bed, Shawn and I finish cleaning up.

"I like your friends," Shawn says as he dries dishes.

"I'm lucky to have them," I respond.

"David hates me. I don't give a fuck, but he could make it less obvious."

I hop up on the counter. "He sees you as some sort or threat, which is ridiculous. He's had two chances with me. We are not meant to be. I don't get why he feels like you are the competition. You and I aren't even a thing."

"Your friendzoning game is strong, Jess," Shawn says as he finishes drying the last dish.

I ignore his comment. "What are your Christmas plans?"