My Saving Grace

Chapter 36

"Can someone pass me the mashed potatoes?"

"I gotchu, bro," I said, scooping a heaping spoonful onto my own plate before passing the bowl to Nick.

"Thanks."

There were nine of us gathered in total at Dad's for Thanksgiving dinner—Antonio and I, Nick and Alyssa, Uncle Justin and Aunt Lauren, Grandma Elizabeth, Grandma Heather, and Grandpa James. The majority of the cooking had been done by both of my grandmothers, which I did not complain about. After all, their food was to die for.

"So, how's married life, dear?", Grandma Elizabeth asked as I stuffed turkey down my throat.

"You answer," I said to Antonio, my voice muffled from all the food.

His eyes gleamed with mirth.

"Better than single life, that's for sure. She keeps me thoroughly entertained, this one." He gazed at me lovingly, giving my shoulder a squeeze.

I swallowed my turkey before speaking.

"I could say the exact same thing."

We shared a smile.

"Any plans of becoming parents?", Grandma Heather chimed in.

There was nothing more she wanted than to become a great-grandmother, according to my dad.

"Yes, but maybe a couple more years down the road. I'm not quite ready to share Sophia yet," Antonio responded earnestly.

My heart swelled.

"And plus, Antonio's got a busy year ahead of him. He's working on a book and approaching tenure as well," I added.

"That's wonderful, son," my dad said, smiling proudly.

Antonio's face lit up.

"Thank you...Dad. May I call you that?"

"It's about time you do. My family is yours now. You're stuck with us for the unforeseeable future."

We all laughed then he raised his wineglass in a toast.

"To family—the one thing which has gotten me through all of the years, good and bad. And to Claire—the love of my life and mother of my two incredible children. May she continue to rest in peace as she watches over us."

I lifted my glass, clinking it with everyone else's before taking a sip.

"Speaking of family, Alyssa and I have an announcement to make," Nick spoke.

We all turned our eyes to the couple.

"Let's just say the Weston family is about to grow...Because we're having twins!", Alyssa exclaimed happily.

No wonder she hadn't touched any of the wine.

My face split into a huge grin as I scurried out of my seat to go wrap my brother and sister-in-law in a bear hug.

"Congratulations, you two!"

"Thanks, sis." Nick dropped an affectionate kiss to the top of my head then turned to our dad. "You're gonna be one hot grandpa, Dad."