The Definition of Fate

Chapter 41

the beautiful

magical

truth

is that
we can be cured
by other people's
stories.

- Jen Brady

When Josh and I get back to Columbus, I stop at my apartment to change out of my travelling clothes--men's extra-large sweatpants and an old hoodie--into something slightly more festive. I consider pulling out my snowman sweater, but it's only November; there's plenty of time to spread Christmas cheer later.

Josh waits for me outside and we drive back to the camp. Although activities continue year-round, the repurposed park seems vacant without the screaming campers and frantic counselors. We drive towards the Hunters' little bungalow and Josh parks the Jeep underneath a shaggy hemlock.

As I climb out of the car, I breathe in the deep scent of the forest and sigh. I could call this place home. What if the what-ifs come true? What if Josh and I do spend our lives together? Even though Josh talked about spending the rest of our lives together, the future he painted was vague. Standing in front of his house, however, makes it so real. The what-if I fantasized about but never actually expected could really come true. Before I let my imagination build our life together, I stop myself. One step at a time, I remind myself even though a few days ago I was telling Josh that I didn't want to take things slow.

"Ready?" Josh asks, drawing me back to reality.

I shake my head to dispel the thoughts. "Uh, yeah. Let's go."

He takes my hand and we traipse through the fallen leaves and go in the front door. "We're home!" Josh yells as we enter, and Ellie bounds into the hallway, wearing polka dotted knee socks, a flannel shirt, and jean short overalls.

"You're back!" she squeals, leaping for Josh and hugging him.

Josh laughs, his voice rich, as he pulls Ellie into his arms. My heart breaks for everything that he carries on Ellie's behalf and all the pain he bears to protect her. No one deserves a loveless father, yet Josh and Ellie suffer from one.

"Rachel! I'm so glad you're here for dinner. I've been dying to eat the mashed potatoes, so now that you guys made it we can finally start." She grins at me and hugs me with as much as warmth as she hugged Josh. "I want to hear all about your weekend."

"No one died, so it was a success," I say with a lopsided grin directed at Josh.

"Who was going to die?" Ellie asks, her deep blue eyes flying open. "You? Josh? Did you run over a deer?"

I laugh. "No animals were harmed in the enjoyment of our Thanksgiving dinner."

"Elle, let's go find Mom and start Thanksgiving dinner." Josh says, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Two days late, thanks to you losers," she grumbles under her breath, sliding into the dining room on her socks.

"It just gave me time to get ready to gorge myself again," I respond. Thanksgiving dinner has to be one of my all-time favorite meals, so I will gladly eat my weight in turkey and mashed potatoes twice instead of once.

Donna has their four-chair dining room table set with a beautiful feast of mashed potatoes, turkey, corn, green bean casserole, rolls, and pumpkin pie. My mouth waters as she bustles into the room, smiling at us.

"Rachel, Josh! I'm so glad you're here."

Josh hugs his mother and kisses her on the cheek. "Sorry you had to wait for us."