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Yuki and Brady showed up ine and the proarlands, and Brady hoisted Yuki up so that she could tack the garlands to the ceiling and string them across the tops of bookcases He spun her around a couple of tis as if she were a ballerina Everyone enjoyed the spectacle

When the doorbell rang again, Cindy opened the door

Lindsay, Joe, and Julie cah the doorway Lindsay held up three boxes and said, “I hope triple-chocolate cake is okay We have a couple of pies for everyone, too It’s all store-bought though I’m still in vacation mode”

“Cake and pie,” Cindy gushed, and she took the treats from her friend “That’s fantastic”

A shout went up when the Molinari fa’s all here”

Everyone hugged Lindsay, Joe, and Julie Even though it had only been a week, it somehow felt like more time had passed

Brady opened wine bottles and poured glasses for the adults, while Cindy got a cup of lad to be home and smiled when Julie nodded emphatically

Rich asse room and passed around the nuts and a cheese platter While everyone ht up and told stories and jokes

After appetizers, everyoneroom Once they were all settled around the table, with Julie sitting next to Joe on a kitchen stool, Edood health and wonderful friendships

After the ao around the table and say what they’re thankful for, as if it were actually Thanksgiving Everyone thought it was a great idea He went first and said, “I’m thankful to be married to Yuki and for knowin’ all a y’all I swear to God”

Joe popped into the kitchen and came back with the turkey He set it on the table “It’s trite but true,” he said, “that I a turkey”

Edot Claire tobecause we haven’t had it in about five years”

Claire laughed and said, “That’s not true” Then she followed up her protestations by saying, “I’m thankful for you, too, Edhter froroup

When the laughing finally subsided, Claire added, “And I’m really happy that ot me Bon appétit, everyone”

It was a short reach across the table for all to clink glasses, which they did